The Collegian
Friday, April 26, 2024

General registrar offers guidance on voter registration

Richmond's general registrar spoke to a group of students and adults at the University of Richmond on Friday about voter registration for the election.

The registrar, Jane Kirk Showalter, led the talk in the Whitehurst Living Room. Showalter offered handouts and application forms and explained the process of registering to vote. Application forms and guidance can also be found in the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement.

For Richmond, the voter registration deadline is October 15.

Showalter said that if someone registers in Richmond, he or she is a Richmond registrant and subject to Virginia laws. This cancels a voter's registration in any other state. Students at the University of Richmond need to think about where they want to be registered to vote, she said. "If the circuit court sent you a jury form right now, where would you say you live? That address should be the one you vote with."

When students fill out their applications, Showalter suggested writing either Henrico or Richmond on their address, depending on what part of campus they live on--south of the lake being Henrico. All the information on the form must be filled out. First-time voters need photo identification. A student ID is sufficient. Once a student's registration is accepted, he or she should receive a voter registration card in the mail. If it is not received within 30 days, Showalter suggests calling the registrar.

To register to vote with an absentee ballot in another state, go to your state's website to find out where to get forms.

Assistant voter registrar David Levine encouraged students to get involved. "I think participating in political parties and other organizations, like the League of Women Voters, is a great way [for students to get involved]."

For more information on voter registration, visit www.sbe.virginia.gov or the registrar's office at 900 W. Broad St.

Contact reporter Mia Lichter at mia.lichter@richmond.edu

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