VOTER EDUCATION AND
PARTICIPATION MONTH

Center for Fathers and Families, in conjunction with the Secretary of State and the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials, is sponsoring October as “Voter Education and Participation Month” to let every citizen know how simple, convenient, and important it is to register and vote.  There are a few things every voter should know about the statewide general election coming up on November 7, 2006.

LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE
--- October 23rd

In order to vote you must be registered.  If you are not already registered at your current address, it is very easy to do so.  You can obtain a form to register to vote at your County Registrar’s office, City Hall, the Secretary of State offices, and most fire stations.  You may also register to vote on-line at www.ss.ca.gov.  Register early to make sure you receive all the informational materials.

LAST DAY TO APPLY FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT
--- October 31st 

If you wish to vote by mail, you can apply for an absentee ballot by using the form on the back of your “sample ballot.”  This will be mailed to you 3 or 4 weeks before the election.  Make sure that it is received by the elections office not later than October 31st .

LEARNING ABOUT CANDIDATES AND ISSUES

You will receive an official voter information guide from the Secretary of State with nonpartisan information about each state proposition.  A shorter “Easy Voter Guide” is available at www.easyvoter.org.  You can find information about candidates from www.smartvoter.org or from the various candidates and their campaigns.

FINDING YOUR POLLING PLACE

Look on the back of your sample ballot for the address where you vote.  Or, you can go to www.smartvoter.org or www.ss.ca.gov to find your polling place.  Or you may call the Secretary of State offices at 1-800-345-VOTE.  Polls are open from 7 am until 8 pm.

Don’t forget to vote on November 7th!