Editorial: National Voters Registration Day worth marking

September begins with World Beard Day and wraps with National Chewing Gum Day. In between, you can celebrate Hug Your Hound Day, Make Your Bed Day and, of course, National Cream Filled Donut Day.

Today, however, is one of those unofficial holidays that we all should mark: National Voters Registration Day.

Numbers fluctuate, but Illinois currently has about 7.994 million active registered voters and 648,000 inactive. Using current census data, that means just over 87 percent of state residents eligible to vote are registered, according to the State Board of Elections.

That's more than most states, but it still falls short of the ideal, especially in light of turnout numbers. The 2016 general election inspired a state turnout of about 70.56 percent, no doubt because of the presidential election battle. For this year's primary, turnout was dismal - just 26.48 percent statewide.

Need a reason to turn those numbers around? Just flip through today's newspaper or turn on the news.

Then, if you haven't already done so, register to vote.

Register if you worry about rising tides of intolerance, about the decline of political discourse, about any of the issues being debated on the local and national stage.

Register if you want to help Republicans keep control of the U.S. House and Senate.

Or, register if you hope to prevent that.

Register if you want to return Illinois incumbents to Springfield.

Or, register if you'd rather retire them.

Register if you want elected officials to do more.

Or, register if you want them to spend less.

Register if - for no other reason - you look around and think: Our communities, our state, our country could do better.

It's easier than ever to register - and to vote.

Events across the suburbs allow those who will be 18 by Election Day to register today. Go to nationalvoterregistrationday.org to find a location near you.

You can also register at a number of government offices, including your county clerk's office, township office and city hall. Even easier, you can sign up online through the State Board of Elections at ova.elections.il.gov.

There are requirements in addition to age. To register, you must be a U.S. citizen and have lived at your current address for at least 30 days. You need two forms of identification, with at least one showing your current address.

Why now?

Early voting starts Oct. 22. College students living away from home and opting to vote by mail must request a ballot by Nov. 1. And while you can register and vote at the same time in some places, there is no reason to wait.

So do it today - before focus shifts to National Dumpling Day.