DOBSON — Today is the deadline for registering to vote in the Nov. 6 general election.

But for those not registered who have put off the process until the last minute, multiple options are available, according to Susan Jarrell, director of the Surry County Board of Elections.

This can include signing up in person at the elections office in Dobson before 5 p.m. today. It is on the lower level of the new county courthouse.

Or, registration forms can be obtained at any public library or downloaded from the Surry County Board of Elections website at http://www.co.surry.nc.us/Departments/Elections/index.htm.

They then can be completed and submitted by mail, but must be postmarked no later than 5 p.m. today, Jarrell said.

Meeting today’s deadline will enable someone to cast a ballot on Election Day itself, as well as during an early voting period to begin at the elections office next Thursday and later this month at sites in Mount Airy and Elkin.

Someone who is not registered after today can still sign up and cast a ballot during the early voting period, but will not be able to do so on Nov. 6, when the presidential and other key races will be decided.

Even for those planning to vote early, it is advantageous to be registered already, Jarrell said, since it will speed up the ballot-casting process.

Elections officials have seen a recent flurry of voter interest as Nov. 6 approaches, Jarrell said.

“We are getting lots and lots of registrations,” she said.

Citizens can check their registration status at the board of elections website.

Reach Tom Joyce at 719-1924 or tjoyce@heartlandpublications.com.