This country is in the midst of its once-every-four-years
political frenzy leading up to the upcoming presidential elections.
As a nation, we’re watching the presidential and vice-presidential
debates and considering issues ranging from the war in Iraq to stem
cell research, from homeland security to the economy, from health
care to gay marriage.
This country is in the midst of its once-every-four-years political frenzy leading up to the upcoming presidential elections. As a nation, we’re watching the presidential and vice-presidential debates and considering issues ranging from the war in Iraq to stem cell research, from homeland security to the economy, from health care to gay marriage.
Regionally, there’s a host of statewide propositions on the ballot and assembly members and state senators to select.
Locally, we’ll be choosing school board members who will decide how our children are educated, how our tax dollars are spent and what type of school-related programs will be offered and funded.
That’s important stuff.
From any angle, the Nov. 2 election is vitally important.
All of which makes Oct. 18 an equally significant date. Why? Because it’s the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 2 election. If you are not registered by Oct. 18, you won’t be able to vote on any of the local, regional or national issues facing our country.
That would be a real shame, because registering to vote is a fast, painless process.
The forms are available online at www.sccvote.org. Just click the “Register to Vote” link on the left, then click the “Download the registration form from this Web site link” that appears halfway down the page. Complete the form – it’s a simple questionnaire with just eight questions and should only take a few minutes to complete – and mail it today. The address to mail your registration form is Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters, P.O. Box 1147, San Jose, CA 95108.
If you don’t have Internet access, registration forms are also available at city and county offices, public libraries, post offices and the Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you need help registering to vote, call the county registrar’s office at 299-VOTE for assistance.
But remember, registering to vote is only the first step. It counts for little if you don’t actually make it to the polls to cast an educated ballot.
After you’ve taken that all-important first step of registering, get educated. Read about the candidates and the issues. Take measure of character, promises, positions. For those who’ve held office before, look at what they’ve achieved in public office.
And then cast a well-considered ballot.
If you want to have a hand in shaping the future of our neighborhoods, of our community, of our region, our state, our country, and indeed, the world, you have two important dates to remember.
Register by Oct. 18, and vote on Nov. 2.
