National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 24. The YMCA will be working with local election officials and other agencies to both promote and facilitate voter registration for all local citizens.

By engaging individuals in their civic duty to vote, the Y is improving the well-being of our communities. The YMCA believes that active and engaged citizens help invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. Studies show that voters are more likely to volunteer, contact their elected officials, and stay informed about local affairs than non-registered voters. Voters also tend to have stronger social ties and improved health outcomes.

Voter registration assistance will be available on Sept. 24 at the SMSU Student Union from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and in the YMCA Lobby from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registrants will attest to their eligibility to vote and will need a MN driver’s license or state I.D. card. Additional sites may become available for the 24th and we will publicize the final locals and hours through our website and social media pages.

Thank you to E.J. Moberg, Lyon County auditor/treasurer and Kyle Box, city of Marshall clerk for their assistance and collaboration on this project. If you would like to volunteer for this non-partisan project please contact me at the Y.

Not available on the 24th. Do it yourself voter registration is open continuously at the MN Secretary of State website — sos.state.mn.us. Just click the Elections & Voting tab for both paper and online registration options.