POINT PLEASANT — The Nov. 6 general election is now a month away, and voters have until Tuesday, Oct. 16 to register or change party affiliation, according to Mason County Clerk Diana Cromley.

Cromley said her office is also encouraging those who have moved within the county or been assigned a new 9-1-1 address to contact her staff to get those changes made to their voter registration.

Several county, state and national offices are up for grabs on Nov. 6 which could be an indicator of a high voter turnout.

As of Thursday, the county clerk’s office reported there were a total of 18,918 people registered to vote in Mason County — that is 75 more than were registered a month ago. Also as of Thursday, there were 9,826 Democrats, 6,151 Republicans, 2,933 no party or other party voters and eight Libertarians registered.

This means in one month’s time, Democrats have picked up 18 voters, Republicans have picked up 30 voters, no party or other party voters have increased by 48.

In West Virginia, in order to register to vote, you must be a state resident, a U.S. citizen, at least 17 years old and 18 before the next general election - 17 year olds may register and vote in the primary elections if they turn 18 by the next general election. Also, voters cannot be currently under conviction for a felony, including probation or parole, or a court ruling of mental incompetence. Voting rights are restored when the term of conviction ends.

In order to register in person, bring proof of physical address. For example, present one of the following: drivers license, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or other government document. You can also request a voter registration from in the mail from the county clerk’s office or the W.Va. Secretary of State’s Office which has a voter registration application on its website. This completed form can be returned to the county clerk’s office. You cannot complete your voter registration online.

In addition to the county clerk’s office, voters may submit or drop off voter registration forms at DMV offices through the Motor Voter Program, public assistance offices, agencies who serve people with disabilities, military recruiting offices. However, if it’s close to an election (as it is now), registering at the county clerk’s office is the best place to go to ensure you will be registered on Election Day. At this point in the election season it is also a good idea to visit the office of the county clerk if you want to change party affiliation and ensure that change is made before Election Day.

Early voting is also coming up. As reported earlier this week, it begins on Oct. 24.

The following is a complete listing of early voting dates and times for the general election: Oct. 24-26, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Oct. 27, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Oct. 29 - Nov. 2, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Nov. 3, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. All early voting takes place on the second floor of the Mason County Courthouse in the Mason County Commission room.

There are 30 voting precincts in Mason County.