Asheville, September 17 – This month, League of Women Voters of Asheville-Buncombe County is marking Constitution Day, the anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution, by encouraging new voters to get registered.

"I challenge anyone who has not yet registered to vote to celebrate the civic milestone of Constitution Day by doing so," said Karen Oelschlaeger, president of the local League. "There are many races on the ballot this fall. We’ll elect those who will make decisions about our local economy, education and health care. It is critical for all of us, especially new voters, to get involved and make our voices heard."

The League of Women Voters of Asheville-Buncombe County will speak to students today at a panel discussion hosted by Western Carolina University's Public Policy Institute in recognition of Constitution Day, along with WCU professors and the ACLU.

Nationally, the League has served tens of millions of voters, many of them young people and first-time voters, through its award-winning nonpartisan election resource, http://www.VOTE411.org. The site features a voter registration tool, a unique nationwide online polling place locator, and localized candidate information.

"By voting and helping others to do the same, League members in Buncombe County are helping to get more citizens involved in the process. Constitution Day reminds us that we all have a voice and role in working to ‘form a more perfect union,’ and that we must continue working together to find the best solutions to the new challenges we face. That all starts with voting," Oelschlaeger concluded.

For more information about how to join the League of Women Voters or about their upcoming events, please visit http://www.ablwv.org.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages. With more than 90 years of experience and 850 local and state affiliates, the League is one of America’s most trusted grassroots organizations.