Register now to vote June 5

It’s now or never for citizens who wish to vote in the upcoming state election.

May 21 is the final day to register to vote in the June 5 primary. Registering to vote may be done online at https://sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes, by mail or in person at the Franklin County Courthouse.

A number of federal, state and local leadership roles are at stake, and we urge you to exercise your right to vote and make your opinion known.

Voting is a wonderful privilege, an opportunity to each voice our choice in the selection of elected officials.

From governor of Alabama, to probate judge of Franklin County, to state representative and senator, you have the chance to give your input on who should lead in the days ahead.

At the Franklin County Times, we’re not here to lobby for or endorse any one candidate. Our plea is simply for you to get informed, make educated decisions about the candidates and go out there and cast your ballot on election day.

You can find sample ballots, for both Republican and Democrat voters, on the state’s website at sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/2018-pri-sample-ballots. You can also check your polling place and verify your registration, if you’re not certain whether you are registered to vote, also at sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes.

What it comes down to is, although voting can sometimes feel complex – How do I register? Where do I vote? Who will be on the ballot? – all this information is available. The time is now to do the necessary legwork on the front end to decide what choice you will make on election day.