Op-Ed: Your Voice. Your Vote. September is National Voter Registration Month

In September, the National Association of Secretaries of State and the WV Secretary of State's Office celebrates National Voter Registration Month. Since National Voter Registration Month was started in 2002, we use every September as a timely reminder that the foundation of our democracy rests not just on the right to vote - but on the responsibility to be ready to exercise that right.

In every election, whether local, state, or national, the power of the vote is the most direct way citizens shape the future of their communities and country. But that power begins with one simple act: registering to vote. My office and all 55 of West Virginia's county clerks want every eligible citizen to be properly registered and ready to vote.

Across the United States, millions of eligible voters remain unregistered. In addition, some voters may not realize they need to update their registration after moving or changing their name. Others may feel disconnected from the political process or unsure whether their vote truly matters. National Voter Registration Month is a chance to change that narrative. It's an opportunity for me and my office to educate, engage, and empower eligible West Virginians.

In West Virginia, we’ve made it easier than ever to register. Through the Secretary of State’s office, citizens can register online, check their registration status, and find information about upcoming elections. Everything relating to issues about elections and campaigns in West Virginia can be found at GoVoteWV.com.

These tools are designed to remove barriers and ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate. But accessibility alone isn’t enough. We must also foster a culture that values civic engagement and understands the impact of every vote.

Consider this: local elections often hinge on just a handful of votes. School board decisions, city council policies, and county budgets are shaped by those who show up. These outcomes affect our roads, schools, public safety, and economic development. When citizens don’t vote, they leave those decisions to others - often a small fraction of the population.

Moreover, voting is not just a right—it’s a legacy. Generations of Americans have fought to expand access to the ballot box. From the suffragists of the early 20th century to the civil rights activists of the 1960's, to the passage of the 26th Amendment that reduced the voting age from 21 to 18, the struggle for voting rights has been a defining chapter in our nation’s history. Honoring that legacy means participating in the process they fought to protect.

National Voter Registration Month also serves as a call to action for organizations, schools, and community leaders. Hosting registration drives, sharing resources on social media, and encouraging conversations about civic duty can make a real difference. When people see their peers engaged, they’re more likely to take that first step themselves.

As a lifelong West Virginian, a political party leader, a candidate myself, and now as WV Secretary of State, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of election officials across West Virginia who work tirelessly to ensure fair, secure, and transparent elections. But their efforts rely on one essential ingredient: voter participation. A healthy democracy demands informed and active citizens. And that begins with being registered.

So this September, I urge every eligible West Virginian to be sure that you are properly registered to vote. Help a friend or family member do the same. If you’re eligible to vote but not yet registered, make it happen. If you’re already registered, make sure your information is up to date. These small actions have a big impact.

Democracy is not a spectator sport. It thrives when we all take part. Let’s make National Voter Registration Month more than a reminder—let’s make it a movement.