TUPPERS PLAINS — Bethel Worship Center is one of more than 7,000 Ohio churches hosting a state-wide “Citizenship Sunday” voter registration drive Sunday under sponsorship of the non-profit voter education group, Ohio Christian Alliance (OCA).

Doug and Brenda Stuart of Pomeroy, Bethel members and southeast Ohio volunteer coordinators for OCA, are organizing the local drive, and emphasized that the event is focused solely on encouraging citizens to vote and making sure they’re registered, not on telling people how to vote.

“Sadly, a huge number of eligible voters, including many Christians, don’t bother to vote, or even register,” Mr. Stuart noted. “As Americans, we have a sacred duty to exercise our right to vote, and this November’s election will no doubt be of great consequence historically. If you don’t vote, your voice won’t be heard—and if you’re not registered, you can’t vote.”

Stuart urged all Ohio Valley residents 18 or older who aren’t yet registered to stop by Bethel this Sunday any time between 9:30 a.m. and noon, when forms and info will be available in the church lobby before, during and after the 10 a.m. service. “We’ll even deliver your form for you to the election board — no stamps needed,” Stuart added. “The important thing is to do it now — Ohio’s voter registration deadline is October 9, so don’t put it off.”

He noted that in order to register, people need to bring with them an Ohio driver’s license or official photo I.D., or one of the following alternate forms of identification required by law: last four digits of Social Security number; current valid student, military or other photo I.D.; utility bill; bank statement; paycheck; government check or other government document with name and current Ohio address.