DES MOINES – Secretary of State Paul Pate reminds Iowans that September is National Voter Registration Month and encourages every eligible citizen to participate. Secretary Pate is working with Iowa's elected officials to promote voter registration.

"I want to do everything possible to increase voter participation in Iowa, while maintaining the integrity of the vote," Secretary Pate said. "Iowa is already one of the best states in the nation for voter registration and voter participation, but we can do even better. Registering to vote is a very simple process, and it's something every eligible Iowan should do."

Voter registration in Iowa was made quicker, easier and more accessible by the implementation of online voter registration. Secretary Pate partnered with the Iowa Department of Transportation to launch the system in January 2016, and 70,000 Iowans utilized the system to register to vote last year. The online voter registration portal can be accessed any time of day from a device with an internet connection, at sos.iowa.gov/registertovote.

There are numerous other ways to register to vote in Iowa, including at the polls on Election Day. Another method is visiting the Secretary of State's website, sos.iowa.gov, and downloading a voter registration form. Simply fill it out and mail it to your county auditor's office. Forms are also available at auditor's offices, DOT offices, military recruiting stations, and public assistance agencies around the state.

The National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) established National Voter Registration Month in 2002 as a nonpartisan means of encouraging voter participation. NASS also supports the independently-organized National Voter Registration Day effort, which will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2017.

Get registered to vote. Eligible citizens who are 17 ½ years of age or older may register to vote.

Check your voter registration information online. Updating voter registration information is critical for citizens who have recently moved, changed their name or had their voting rights restored. Go to sos.iowa.gov/voterregistration to make sure your information is current.

Sign up for election alerts and reminders. Be sure to sign up for election alerts and reminders by visiting MyIowaVote.com.

"I want to remind everyone that school elections take place across the state on Tuesday, September 12, and I encourage you to make your voice heard," Secretary Pate said. "School and city elections have a direct impact on your daily life, perhaps more so than general elections that receive a lot more attention. Turnout is traditionally low in school elections and that is something we need to improve upon. Make your voice heard and be a voter."

###