Today is National Voter Registration Day, a chance for people across the nation to take a few moments and register to play an active part in the democratic process.

National Voter Registration Day is observed on the fourth Tuesday in September each year.

On the inaugural observation of the day in 2012, more than 300,000 Americans registered to vote, and in 2016, more than 750,000 voters used the day to register or update their voter information.

According to the NVRD website, “Every year millions of Americans find themselves unable to vote because they miss a registration deadline, don’t update their registration or aren’t sure how to register.”

Today, volunteers and organizations from all over the country will make dedicated efforts, using field interview, technology and media efforts to encourage others to vote.

In Clark County, there will be a non-partisan voter registration drive today from 3 to 5 p.m. at Goodwill, 1509 Bypass Road.

The deadline to register to vote in Kentucky is Oct. 9.

If you can’t make it to the voter registration drive, registering in Kentucky is made easier through online registration.

You can register, review your registration, check your voting location, look at sample ballots and more at govoteky.org.

Additionally, you can register at the Clark County Clerks’ Office, which is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Today is a time to celebrate the freedom to vote in our country — one not afforded to many others across the globe. It’s a chance to set aside our differences, celebrate our democracy and encourage others to be more active in that process.

Today, take a few moments to check your registration status and update any information as needed. Then, help at least one other person get registered or update their own information.

Typically only about 25 percent of registered voters participate in elections. Even more eligible voters who are not registered are also not participating in the elections.

If only 1 in 4 registered voters are participating and thousands more are not even registered, only a small sample of our population is selection who is representing our community as a whole.

Active participation in elections is the best way to ensure fair and equitable representation for our community.

The first step is to make sure you and as many others are registered.