The numbers for voter turnout in the November general election will be historic. That's the prediction in a year where the winning team will either include the first African American president in the U.S., or the country's first female vice president. The country is also sharply feeling the pinch of a trillion-dollar war, a massive deficit, economic chaos, crumbling infrastructure and the disappearing middle class, to name just a few of the issues.

In this hotly contested environment, voters need to get proactive to ensure their ability to cast a vote, says Project Democracy, a non-partisan, non-profit organization that provides training, management and technical services on issues related to voter engagement, and low-income and minority voter participation. Voters should expect understaffed polling places, they say, and staff that is under-trained, misinformed or untrained when it comes to voter irregularities. In this case, the best defense is a good offense.

Register or double-check your voter registration at your county or city clerk's office before the Oct. 4 deadline.

If you believe you're registered, you can double-check here by entering your name and address. This will tell you whether you're listed in the national voter database and show how you're listed. If you've moved since you last voted or the information displayed is incorrect, you need to update your voter record by the Oct. 4 registration deadline.

To register or update your registration records, go the one of the locations listed below in the city or county where you live with identification. The Mississippi League of Women Voters says you'll need a driver's license, social security number, or a copy of a current and valid photo identification, utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document showing your name and address.

For the City of Jackson and Hinds County, go to the Hinds County Circuit Clerk's office, 407 E. Pascagoula Street, (601-968-6628) open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 8 a.m. until noon. You can also register at the Clinton City Hall, 300 Jefferson Street (601-924-5462) during the week.

In Madison County, register at the Madison County Circuit Clerk, 128 W. North Street, Canton (601-352-2049). The office will be open on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 8 a.m. until noon in addition to their regular weekday hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday). During the week, you can also register at the Madison City Hall, 1004 Madison Avenue (601-856-7116), Ridgeland City Hall, 304 Highway 51 (601-856-7113), or the Canton City Hall, 226 E, Peace Street (601-859-4331) during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday).

In Rankin County, register at the following locations, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. None of the Rankin County offices will be open on Saturday, Oct. 4. Rankin County Circuit Clerk, 215 Government Street, Brandon (601-825-1466); Brandon City Hall, 1473 W. Government Street (601-825-5021); Flowood City Clerk, 2101 Airport Road, Suite A (601-939-5602); Pearl City Clerk, 2420 Old Brandon Road (601-932-2262); Pelahatchie City Hall, 705 2nd Street (601-854-5224); and Richland City Hall, 380 Scarbrough (601) 932-1256.

If you have voter registration questions, contact one of the offices above, or go to the Mississippi Secretary of State's web site, the Mississippi League of Women Voters web site.