The 2008 presidential election is getting closer every day, and the time to register to be eligible to vote in this election is growing shorter.

Now, people may be under the assumption that you have to have some sort of ‘special requirements’ to register to vote.

This, however, is a false statement.

“Registering to vote is very easy,” said senior Stephanie DeYoung. “People seem to think it’s complicated, but really it’s not.”

The first step in registering to vote is to make sure you meet the most basic requirements.

You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old by election day, a resident of Michigan, and a resident of the city or township where you are applying to register to vote.

By the way, all voters must be registered to vote at least 30 days before the election, so keep that in mind if you are registering with the intention of voting in the upcoming election.

Once you’re sure you meet the requirements, it’s time to move on to the second step; filling out an application.

You may obtain the application at the local Secretary of State branch office, the local county, city, or township clerk’s office, military recruitment centers, voter registration drives, or online at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

“I went down to Allegan to register at the Secretary of State Office,” said Stephanie.

“But now they do it at school, so you really can’t use the excuse that your wasting gas or you don’t have time.”

The third step is as simple as turning in the application.

If the application is hand-delivered, the staff person helping you will take your form and you don’t need to do anything else.

An alternative choice is mailing in the application, but this requires a little more work.

A driver’s license number or personal identification card number must be provided on the application and a photocopy of your driver’s license or a photocopy of a paycheck stub, utility bill, bank document, or government document that lists both your name and your address.

Never send an original document; it will not be returned.

After the application has been received, the city or township clerk will send out a voter registration card that will inform the voter of where to go to cast their vote.

American citizens are urged to take advantage of their right to vote.

“Everyone should register to vote if they can,” said Stephanie. “It’s so simple.”

Think twice before you make your decision about registering to vote; it’s easy, it’s quick, and your voice will only be heard in the next election if you choose to put it out there.