The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 4 open primary/congressional election is Monday.

Louisiana has a rich (read: tumultuous) political history, and the engine to control such remains an active and robust voter turnout.

The first step is becoming eligible.

Monday’s deadline is for interested Louisiana residents who have never registered to vote and voters who would like to make changes to their registration.

Residents can register to vote online 24 hours a day, seven days a week at GeauxVote.com.

Registration is also available at each parish Registrar of Voters Office and while obtaining services at the Office of Motor Vehicles, public assistance agencies, public schools, colleges, libraries and by mail.

There are two locations for the Registrar of Voters Office in St. John Parish: 1801 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace and 2393 Louisiana 18 in Edgard.

There are two locations for the Registrar of Voters Office in St. James Parish: St. James Courthouse, 5800 Louisiana 44 in Convent and the St. James Parish Courthouse Annex, 2631 Louisiana 20 west in Vacherie.

In St. Charles Parish, visit the courthouse at 15045 River Road in Hahnville.

“Registration in Louisiana is robust, with 85 percent of eligible citizens registered to vote,” Secretary of State Tom Schedler said. “I always encourage citizens to register, but I also want to stress the importance of checking your registration if you’re already registered to make sure your address is up to date and your status is active.

“I am urging voters to view their sample ballot prior to voting due to the high number of races and candidates this year. There are more than 2,400 candidate races, 108 propositions and 14 constitutional amendments statewide, so studying your ballot ahead of Election Day will be critical.”

Early voting is scheduled for Oct. 21-28 for the Nov. 4 primary election.

Be on the lookout for a special section in L’OBSERVATEUR, scheduled for publication Oct. 22, which will breakdown many of the River Region’s most compelling races.

It’s always easy to complain about the politicians while they are in office, but in doing so; we must acknowledge our right and privilege to vote.

The political future rests solely in the hands of those who vote.