For many college students this November will bring the first chance to vote in a presidential election. But in the hustle and bustle of the fall semester, some students might believe they do not have the time to register to vote.

College students understand all too well about deadlines: the process of registering is no different. The last day to register is Oct. 6. First one needs to figure out in which county they are considered a resident. The process will vary a little depending on location.

Residents of Pope County can simply go to the county clerk’s office, located on the first floor of the courthouse. The court house is located on the corner of Arkansas Avenue and West Main Street. Bring a driver’s license or some kind of identification (i.e. social security card or government document that includes your name and address) and the clerk will provide a short form to fill out. Applications can also be filed at the revenue office, public library, or a public assistance agency. Another option is to apply online. There are a few sites one can use to register. An easy-to-use site is <http://www.rockthevote.org>. This site provides the registration form, and then allows you to print it and provides you with an address that corresponds with your area of residence.

Students who live on campus or outside of Pope County also have the opportunity to vote. They have the option of declaring residency in Pope County, by using the address of their dorm, or using their home address and voting there. If the students’ homes are far from Russellville they can still register there and vote by absentee ballot. A voter who requires an absentee ballot can get one from the county clerk’s office.

Within a few weeks of the submission of your form, you should receive a voter identification card.

If you do not receive this card, contact your county clerk’s office before Election Day to prevent your vote from not being counted.

A few weeks after submitting the voter registration form, a voter identification card will be sent in the mail. If this card is not received the county clerk’s office should be contacted.
Not sure what to do on Election Day? The Website <http://www.votenaturally.org> provides answers to frequently asked questions.

The site describes how to use Arkansas voting machines, and provides additional registration information, 2008 candidate information, and much more.
As Americans, we should take full advantage of the privilege to vote. It is a gift that citizens of many countries are not given.

If you think that your vote doesn’t count, you are mistaken. There are many issues that as college students, and on a larger scale, as Americans, that will affect us.
Our leaders will determine many things that affect our lives. So get educated, get registered, and let your voice be heard.