Recently, State Representative Mike Sparks (R-Smyrna) hosted Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett for a tour of the new 80,000 square-foot building on the campus of Motlow State Community College in Smyrna, which is scheduled to open next fall.

During the tour with Representative Sparks, School President Dr. Michael L. Torrence, La Vergne City Mayor Dennis Waldron and others, Hargett asked one simple question to everyone he encountered; are you registered to vote?

A recent report suggests that Tennessee ranks second to last in voter turnout and nearly as low in voter registration. In efforts to raise awareness and increase turnout at the polls this November, Secretary Hargett is crisscrossing the state this month -- which coincides with National Voter Registration Month -- and speaking with Tennesseans about the importance of registering to vote.

His stop in Smyrna was the latest in a series of scheduled events that also includes visits to Middle Tennessee State University and additional Tennessee colleges, all in an effort to encourage students to get registered. The message is simple; now is the time to sign up if you want to cast your ballots in the upcoming election.

"It was a pleasure to be hosted at Motlow State Community College in Smyrna by Representative Mike Sparks, President Torrence, and Mayor Waldron.," said Secretary Hargett. "Their leadership and particularly that of Representative Sparks in the legislature are critical to the success of the Motlow State's Smyrna campus. I appreciate Representative Sparks joining me in promoting voter registration and civic engagement by these students. I am always encouraged to see young people engaging in the political process and the students at Motlow State are no exception."

"I am grateful that my friend and colleague, Secretary Hargett has joined me in reminding the future leaders of our community about the importance of registering to vote," said Representative Sparks. "Voting is one of the rights afforded to us under the Constitution, and I encourage those who have not registered yet to do so and let their voice be heard in November."

The voter registration deadline is October 9. For more information or to register to vote, please click Here. Mike Sparks serves as Vice-Chair of the House Calendar & Rules Committee.