Governor Phil Bryant has declared February as Voter Registration Month to coincide with new voter photo identification requirements.

“The right to vote is the cornerstone of our nation, and countless service men and women have given their lives in defense of this freedom, Bryant said. “I encourage Mississippians to register to vote and participate in the electoral process at the local, state and federal levels.”

Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said, “We believe there are approximately 360,000 Mississippians over the age of 18 who are not registered to vote. Voting is our most important right. We thank Governor Bryant for his commitment to the electoral process and hope this designation will encourage Mississippians to register to vote.”

To register to vote in Mississippi, you must be:

— a resident of the state and the county/city for 30 days prior to the election.

— At least 18-years-old by the date of the general election

— Not convicted of a disenfranchising crime

— Not adjudicated mentally incompetent

A statewide primary election will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2014. The voter registration deadline for this election is Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 12 p.m.

A statewide general election will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2014. The voter registration deadline for this election is Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 at 12 p.m.

You can register to vote at your local circuit clerk’s office or you can download a voter registration form on the Secretary of State’s website at http://sos.ms.gov/links/elections/voter_information_center/tab1/Voter_Registration.pdf.

For information regarding the voter identification requirement, please contact 1-844-MSVoter or visit http://www.msvoterid.ms.gov/