FRANKLIN—Virginians planning to vote in the Nov. 3 general election need to make sure that they are registered with their local registrar by 5 p.m. on Oct. 5. State law requires that new voters be registered at least 29 days before a general election.

On Nov. 3, voters will choose between Republican Bob McDonnell and Democrat Creigh Deeds for governor; incumbent Lt. Gov. William Bolling and Democratic challenger Jody Wagner; and Republican Ken Cuccinelli and Democrat Stephen Shannon for attorney general.

All 100 seats in the state’s House of Delegates are also up for election this year. Delegate Roslyn Tyler (D-Jarratt), is running unopposed for her 75th District seat, and 64th District Delegate William Barlow (D-Smithfield) is facing opposition from Republican candidate Stan Clark and independent candidate Albert Burckard.

In Franklin, Commissioner of Revenue Brenda Rickman and Treasurer Dinah Babb are both running for re-election unopposed.

In Isle of Wight County, incumbent Phillip Bradshaw is running unopposed for re-election to his seat on the county’s Board of Supervisors representing the Carrsville District. Incumbent Kenneth Bunch is facing opposition from Debbie Hall for the Carrsville District School Board seat.

There are no county offices up for election in Southampton County.

Eligible residents may pick up a registration application at their local voter registration office, various state and local government offices, armed forces recruitment offices, public libraries, the State Board of Elections office and Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles offices.

Virginians registered in record numbers in 2008 to participate in the historic presidential election, however, this year doesn’t appear to have the same draw.

“It’s different,” said Sandy Holloman, Franklin’s voter registrar. “Not nearly the activity we had last year.”

She said registrations have been relatively slow compared with a normal election year, but that could be explained by last year’s registrations.

“So many people registered last year,” Holloman said. “And of course, they’re still registered.”

Holloman wouldn’t speculate on expected voter turnout because absentee voting, which is an indicator of turnout, has just started.

To be eligible to register to vote in Virginia, you must:

Be a resident of Virginia

Be a U.S. citizen

Be at least 18 years old (by Election Day)

Not claim the right to vote in any other state

Not be currently declared mentally incompetent by a court of law

Have had your right to vote restored, if convicted of a felony