Iowa’s general elections are slated for early November, and state of Iowa and Story County public officials are preparing for what they hope is a resurgence in voter registration.

Story County Auditor Mary Mosiman said county officials hope people will take advantage of the numerous opportunities to become a registered voter.

“We’re really hoping to see a high turnout this Saturday for the Iowa Voter Registration Day,” she said. “People not only in Story County, but all over the state, will be able to register in their communities at places like Hy-Vee, their public libraries and Casey’s General Stores.”

Iowa Voter Registration Day is a statewide effort to encourage eligible voters to participate in the election process, said Rob Berntsen, director of business services in the Secretary of State office. There will be at least one site for voters to register in all 99 of Iowa’s counties, he said.

“We really want to make it as easy as possible for Iowans to register,” Berntsen said.

There is a map on the Secretary of State Web site that lists the locations of all voter-registration booths for every county, he said. The Web site, http://sos.state.ia.us, provides exact locations and specific times the booths will be available to the public.

Mosiman said people not registered in Iowa or in the county where they live in are encouraged to vote via absentee ballots.

To get an absentee ballot in Story County, submit a ballot request through the Story County Web site, www.storycounty.com, or send a letter to the auditor specifying the criteria required for absentee votes – name, address and which election they are voting for, Mosiman said.

Information concerning the elections, candidates and voter requirements is on the city of Ames Web site, she said.

“Hopefully, by making the information accessible through the Internet, we will make it easier for more people to vote,” Mosiman said.