Nine days. That’s how long voter hopefuls have before registration for the 2012 election ends Oct. 9. While the Daily Kent Stater does not endorse any candidate, we think you should vote. Here’s what you need to know:

• If you’ve moved, even just to a new dorm room or apartment or changed your name since the last time you registered, you need to re-register.

• You can register or re-register at the University Library Reference Desk or the Portage County Board of Elections. The Board of Elections is located at 449 S. Meridian St. Ravenna, Ohio 44266. Phone: 330-297-3511.

• From Tuesday, Oct. 2 to Tuesday, Oct. 9, you can register and vote in-person at the Board of Elections. You will need to present a driver’s license number or a state ID with the address matching your registration, or the last four digits of your social security number when voting. If you are from out of state, this will re-register you to vote in Ohio.

• For absentee voting, you must apply in writing. The form is available on the Portage County website, and your request must be received no later than noon, three days before the election. The University Library also has this form available, and your ballot will be mailed to your registered address.

• For an absentee ballot to count, it must be submitted in person to the Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 or be postmarked for mail delivery by Nov. 5.

• On election day, Tuesday, Nov. 6, you can vote in-person at your assigned precinct from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. To vote, you must present a driver’s license or a state ID, with an address matching your registration. You can also provide a copy of one of the following with your current address: utility bill, bank statement, pay stub, government check or government document.

• If you live in the residence halls, a special “zero-based utility bill” has been sent to your university mailbox. You can use this as a form of identification on election day, and is best when coupled with a photo ID.

The above editorial is the consensus

opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial

board whose names are listed above.