Oct. 5 is the last day to register to vote online or by mail, or to transfer an existing registration to a new address, for the upcoming Nov. 3 general election. Those who have never registered to vote in Washington state may register through Oct. 26, but must register in-person at the Snohomish County Auditor’s Office.

“The 2009 general election is right around the corner,” County Auditor Carolyn Weikel said. “With two hotly debated state ballot measures and a number of high impact local races on the ballot, such as County Council, city council and school board positions, I hope every eligible citizen takes this opportunity to participate and help choose who will lead our communities in the coming years.”

To register to vote in Washington, a person must be a citizen of the United States, have lived in the state for at least 30 days, be at least 18 years old by election day and not currently be in the custody of the Department of Corrections or another criminal justice system due to a felony conviction.

Those with state issued driver’s licenses or IDs may register to vote online at www.vote.wa.gov, where mail-in voter registration forms can also be found. Voter registration forms are also available at local libraries, post offices and the Snohomish County Auditor’s Office. Mail-in forms must be post-marked by Oct. 5.

First-time voters wanting to vote in this election may register in person at the Snohomish County Auditor’s Office through Oct. 26. The Snohomish County Auditor’s Office is located on the first floor of the Snohomish County Administration West Building, located at 3000 Rockefeller Ave. in Everett, and is open to the public Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Voters may check and update their registration status online at www.vote.wa.gov. If you are currently registered as an active voter, you do not need to register again.

For additional information, contact Snohomish County Elections at 425-388-3444.