ST. CLAIRSVILLE — More people are taking an interest in voting as the Nov. 3 general election approaches, and the Belmont County Board of Elections is preparing to provide those ballots while reminding the public to register.

During an afternoon meeting, board member Michael Shaheen pointed out that Tuesday was National Voter Registration Day. Members of the public can register to vote until 9 p.m. Oct. 5. People can register online or update their address at the board’s website, boe.ohio.gov/belmont/

People also can register on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website, ohiosos.gov. To register in person, visit the board office at 52180 National Road, St. Clairsville; a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office; a public library or government agency; or call the board office at 740-526-0188.

“The need for everybody to register and vote, it’s not a party affiliation promotion, it is a democracy promotion. We believe that everybody should exercise that right,” Shaheen said.

Director Kelly McCabe said she believes there has been an increase in the number of people registering to vote, but she did not have specific numbers at hand.

During the March 17 primary election when the COVID-19 pandemic was making its first impact on Ohio, voting was delayed and eventually an entirely mail-in election was arranged.

On Nov. 3, voting sites will be open, but McCabe reported an increase in requests for absentee ballots. She said more than 10,500 absentee ballots have been ordered so far. She said this marks an increase of up to 30 percent compared to 2016 absentee ballots.

“We had maybe 6,000 or 7,000 by now in 2016. It’s a lot more,” she said.

McCabe said more than 10,000 absentee ballots have been printed so far.

“They are all printed except for everything (requests) that came in Friday through (Monday),” she said.

The board will stop taking requests for absentee ballots at noon Oct. 31, the Saturday prior to Election Day.

On Oct. 6, all ballots in the board’s possession will begin to be mailed out.

“We already are way ahead of schedule with normal protocol,” Shaheen said.

Also, McCabe reported that polling locations have also been inspected with no major issues found. She said the sites should be compliant with all regulations by Election Day. A full list of places to vote can be found on the board’s website.

In other matters, sanitary and security preparations continue at the central office on U.S. 40. McCabe reported all supplies and protective gear for poll workers have been received except for 75 boxes of masks donated through the state. The masks will be given to voters if needed.

The site also has been paved to comply with the the Americans with Disabilities Act, and gravel is being applied to the grass to make more parking spaces.

New window tinting film will also be applied to windows at the board office and in the lobby, as recommended by the state. Grant funding will pay for the upgrade.

The next meeting was set for 4 p.m. Oct. 26 at the board headquarters.