One of the great privileges and duties of a citizen of a representative democracy like the United States is our right to vote. Yet, every year, millions of Americans find themselves unable to vote because they miss a registration deadline, don’t update their registration, or aren’t sure how to register. On Tuesday, Sept. 24— National Voter Registration Day— volunteers and organizations from all over the country will “hit the streets” to raise awareness of voter registration opportunities.
This national observance is a celebration of civic unity, endorsed by the National Association of Secretaries of State, and supported by the National Association of State Election Directors, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, and the National Association of Election Officials.
If you or a family member have not registered or have questions about your voter registration status, it’s easy to learn more about voting in Georgia. You can register to vote online, by mail, and in many public buildings, including Gwinnett schools and the J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center. Young people can register to vote at age 17 1/2, as long as they will be 18 by Election Day. (Here’s a checklist for first-time voters from the non-partisan League of Women Voters.)
On the Secretary of State’s (SOS) website, log on to MVP— My Voting Page— for voter registration status, mail-in application and ballot status, poll locations, and more. Call the Gwinnett County Office of Electionsat 678-226-7210 with questions about voting in Gwinnett.