Today is the deadline to register to vote in Hawai'i. If you don't, you can't participate in the historic elections that are less than one month away. Without registering you can't vote for the president, three island mayors or the state constitutional convention.

Candidates' campaigns and political parties are working to sign people up to vote in hopes that more potential voters will result in more people at the polls.

Hawai'i had record low turnout of about 37 percent in its Sept. 20 primary election, but the Nov. 4 general election should generate more interest with Honolulu-born Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain on the ballot for president.

During Hawai'i's Democratic caucuses in February, Obama supporters formed long lines and overwhelmed caucus sites, ballooning the number of registered Democrats in the state from 22,000 to 51,000.

"This year more than ever, it's valuable that those who feel strongly about change turn out on Election Day," said Hawai'i Democratic Party Chairman Brian Schatz. "Turnout was abysmal in the primary. We are hopeful that we're going to see that trend turn around as a result of the enthusiasm for Senator Obama."

Any Hawai'i resident who is a U.S. citizen over 18 years old may register to vote. Currently registered voters who have changed their name or address since the last election should re-register.

Voter registration forms are available at post offices, libraries, the Office of Elections Web site, county clerks' offices and phone books.

Registration forms postmarked by today will be accepted, but elections officials are encouraging last-minute voters to turn in their papers in person to avoid the possibility of a mix-up.

The mayor's races will pit Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann against Anne Kobayashi, attorney Billy Kenoi against Councilman Angel Pilago on the Big Island, and County Parks Director Bernard Carvalho Jr. against County Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura on Kaua'i.

There are about 682,000 registered voters in Hawai'i, which reflects a steady increase in each election since 2004.

Turnout was about 53 percent in 2006 and 67 percent in 2004, when Republican President Bush won a second term against Democrat John Kerry.