With the election approaching, students may wonder where to register. Sheryl Thomas, Coles County deputy of voter registration, lets students know.

How do I register here?

Overall, you just need two forms of ID. One needs to show the current address that you live in Coles County.

You can use a utility bill or something that shows an address like that. Once you show those forms of ID the deputy registrar will fill out the card, it will be processed and then you will get a voter registration card in the mail.”

What if I’m not from here?

You have to contact the county clerk in the county you live in and request an absentee ballot.

The time period to vote that way is from Sept. 25 to Oct. 14.

Who has registered?

Forty-two thousand three hundred twenty-eight total in the county but 30,148 are active registrants for today.

Some registrants can be suspended or in the process of canceling and that’s why it shows more. It changes day to day.

What do I need to register?

You just need those two forms of ID, but if you don’t have them, you can fill out a form and send that in and you will get your voter registration card.

However, you need to bring those forms of ID to the polls.

When is the deadline?

Oct. 7 is the last day to register. After that they have a grace period to register to vote but you have to vote in person here in our office. This ends Oct. 21.

Why is it critical to register?

So you have that right to vote for the things you are interested in and have a say to what is going on.

Also, if not for anything else, it is a form of ID.

Who do I go to for help?

You can always come to the (Coles) County Clerk’s Office to register and the Charleston Library also has facilities.

At Eastern, the student government is currently making some of its members deputy registrars so students can register on campus. The first day for that will be Sept. 17.

Eric Wilber (student executive vice president) is heading that.

What else should I know?

Most people don’t know that after the absentee voting period, you can come in and vote early. That begins Oct. 14.

Krystal Moya can be reached at 581-7945 or at [email protected].