The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 6 General Election is just around the corner. 

Local residents have until Oct. 9 to register at Farmington City Hall, Farmington Hills City Hall, any Secretary of State office or by mail. In order to vote, you must:

• be 18 years or older on or before election day
• be a citizen of the U.S.
• have lived in Michigan for at least 30 days
• be registered on or before the close of registration

Those who aren't able to go to the polls on election day may cast an absentee ballot. Farmington Hills absentee voter applications are posted on-line, as are applications for Farmington absentee voters. 

If you want the ballot mailed, your application must be received by 2 p.m. the Saturday before the election. These dates are also important to absentee voters:

• Nov. 3, 2 p.m.: Deadline to submit absentee ballot by mail
• Nov. 5, 4 p.m.: Deadline to submit absentee ballot in person at clerk's office
• Nov. 6, 4 p.m.: Emergency absentee ballot deadline

Additional information is available at the City of Farmington and City of Farmington Hills websites. 

The Farmington City Clerk's office has published a voter's guide that includes general information about Michigan voting rules and requirements. It can be downloaded from the city's website