Secretary of State Karen Handel today joined fellow members of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) in declaring September 2009 National Voter Registration Month. Secretary Handel is working with Georgia's local election administrators to make the state's eligible voters aware of registration deadlines and requirements for this year's municipal and special elections.

Secretary Handel serves as Vice- President of the Southern U.S. Region for NASS, which represents chief state election officials in 39 states.

"Voter registration is an important step in becoming an active citizen," Secretary Handel said. "I encourage all eligible Georgia citizens to register to vote and participate in our elections."

To register to vote in Georgia, you must be a citizen of the United States; a legal resident of Georgia and of the county in which you plan to vote; and at least 17 ½ years old. You may not register to vote if you are currently serving any sentence imposed by the conviction of a felony or judicially determined to be mentally incompetent.

Eligible citizens who are not currently registered to vote in the county in which they reside should register to vote or update their voter registration. Georgians can verify their registration status and download an application at the Secretary of State's website at: www.sos.ga.gov/ elections.

Citizens who reside in districts holding municipal or special elections on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 and want to vote must register by Monday, October 5, 2009. Voters should contact their county registrars' office for information about municipal and special elections in their area.