The local primaries are less than a month away. But, to participate in that primary -- you must turn in your voter registration form today!  

On September 18 ... voters will decide which democratic and republican candidates will square off against each other in the November election.

And you have to get in your registration by today!

There are two ways you can do it:

The first is stop by the Oneida County Board of Elections office, which is on the third floor of the Boehlert Center at Union Station.

There, employees will help you fill out your form, and you'll be all set to go come September 18.

Or, you can print out a form online and mail it in. Your registration must be postmarked by midnight tonight in order to get in on time. But don't let the looming deadline get in your way of participating in the primaries.

Residents who have moved to a new county are reminded that they must re-register from their new address.

“You get to pick the candidate of your choice which is what a lot of people are interested in,” said Angela Pedone-Longo of the Board of Elections. “So, they get registered, and if they enroll in a party its because they want to vote for the person of their choice.”

Those who are currently registered and have moved to a new address in the same county should notify their county board of elections in writing of their move. The New York State Voter Registration Form can be used by new voters or by movers for these purposes.

Internet users may download a registration form by contacting the State Board at www.elections.state.ny.us and clicking on "Voting". Or call the  Oneida County Board of Elections or call 798-5761 or 798-5763.

Only voters enrolled in a party may vote in that party's primary election, except that non-enrolled voters may vote in any Independence Party statewide primary if they wish.

Independence Party county committees may also choose to open their local primaries to non-enrolled voters.

For more information on registering to vote in New York State, call your county board of elections or 1-800-FOR-VOTE.