The South Carolina State Election Commission has kicked off a month-long effort to encourage South Carolinians to prepare for the Nov. 2 General Election by registering to vote or, if already registered, updating their voter registration information by Oct. 2.

"Voting is the quintessential American way for citizens to make their voices heard in our system of government," said Marci Andino, executive director of the State Election Commission.

Voter Education Month is a great way to remind voters to make sure they are properly registered, to help them prepare for Election Day, and to reinforce the fact that Every Vote Matters.”

In preparation for Election Day, Barbara Shackleford, chairperson of the Cherokee County Voter Registration Board, encourages voters to remember to:

• Register to vote by Oct. 2. Register in person at the Cherokee County voter registration office or online at scvotes.org. Print an application, complete it, and return it to the local county voter registration office. All applications must be postmarked by Oct. 2 in order to participate in the November election.

• Check your voter registration at scvotes.org or call the local voter registration office to make sure your address is current. If not, go by the voter registration office or submit a change of address form by Oct. 2.

• Bring your voter registration card, driver's license or DMV-issued ID card with you to the polls on Election Day. Polls will be open 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Stay up to date on important voting information by following

scVOTES" on Facebook (facebook-com/scvotes), Twitter (twitter.com/ scvotes), and scVOTES. org.

The Cherokee County Voter Registration office is located at 1434 N. Limestone St., Peachtree Center, Room 1008. For further information, call 864-487-2563.