September 15, 2008:    The Richmond County Board of Elections Office remains diligent in its efforts to increase the number of registered voters.

In an effort to encourage citizens to prepare for the historic 2008 election, Gov. Mike Easley proclaimed September as “Citizens Voter Registration Awareness Month.”

The goal of this state-wide effort, which is also being recognized at the local level, is to provide citizens with every possible opportunity to register to vote.

Just this week, members of the Board of Elections will hold two Voter Registration Drives.

Staff will be on the campus of Richmond Community College beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday, where a drive will be held at the Cole Auditorium. And, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, members will register voters at Wal-Mart.

The last day to register for the General Election is Friday, Oct. 10.

In order to register, you must present your driver’s license; state-issued identification card, or know the last four digits of your Social Security Number.

You may register to vote in Richmond County if you are: 

    1.    a citizen of the United States; 
    2.    a person who is already 18 or older, or who will be 18 by Election Day (Nov. 4), and 
    3.    a legal resident of Richmond County and North Carolina for 30 days before the date of the next 
           election. 
    4.    A person convicted of a felony whose citizenship rights have been restored may also register.

Voter registration records need to be updated if: 

    1.    You have moved within the county; 
    2.    Changed your name; 
    3.    Wish to change your party affiliation, or 
    4.    Have been assigned an E-911 address.

To check the status of your voter registration, contact the local office at 997-8253 or visit the State Board of Election’s Web site at  www.sboe.state.nc.us  to check your voter registration online. Registration forms are also available at the local office, located at 221 South Hancock Street, Rockingham.