By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

2016 is election year! The first election of the 2016 cycle will be the March 1, 2016 primary election.

April 12, 2016 will be the primary run-off election, and the general election where the president will be chosen will be Nov. 8, 2016.

The Board of Registrars is being pro-active by getting the word out for all eligible persons to register to vote.

“Eight years ago, the volume of registration forms and updates were tremendous,” said Chief Clerk Heidee Vansant. “Fifteen thousand registration forms were received the six to eight weeks preceding the November 2008 election.”

The Board of Registrars consists of three members: Chairman Carol Hill, governor’s appointee since 2009; Emily Gravitt, commissioner of agriculture appointee since 2013; and Lois Cooper, state auditor appointee appointed 2015. Terms are four years.

“The board is being pro-active by holding voter drives at high schools in the area as well as the University of Montevallo and Jefferson State,” said Hill. “Also, we are encouraging everyone who has moved into or within the county to please update information now to help cut down on last minute registrations. A voter’s current voting precinct is based on the current residential address and all registrations/updates must be made at least 15 days prior to election day.”

University of Alabama coach Nick Saban and Auburn University coach Gus Malzahn have endorsed the work of Secretary of State John Merrill to get the word out to register to vote. Free Alabama and Auburn posters, with quotes and pictures of the coaches, are available to all walk-in registrants at the BOR office at the Frank C. “Butch” Ellis Building, 108 W. College St., Columbiana, Ala. 35051.

Saban’s poster says, “What do you mean you’re not registered to vote!” Malzahn’s poster says, “Boom! I told you – you could make a difference if you were determined to vote!”

At the bottom of both posters says, “To register to vote or secure a free government issued photo I.D., please contact your LOCAL board of registrars, visit alabamavotes.gov or call 1-800-274-8683.”

“Anyone who does not have a valid photo I.D. can obtain one for voting, free of charge, from the Board of Registrars to take to the polls,” said Hill.

Registration forms are available all county offices, libraries and on Shelbyal.com and Alabamavotes.gov.