Ready, Set, Vote

Activity associated with this election has surpassed that of any election in recent history with voter registration reaching an all time high including many first-time and younger voters. This is a good sign for the health of our democratic process, but registering is only the first step. Our future rests in the hands of those eligible citizens who cast a ballot on November 4th.

Whether you are a long-time or first-time voter, your vote is important. With the expectation of high voter turnout, there are a few simple steps you can take to help make the voting process work for all of us.

First, review your sample ballot. In addition to the Presidential contest, there are twelve statewide ballot measures and a host of local contests and propositions to be decided. Reviewing instructions and marking your choices in advance will help keep things moving at the polls.

Second, know where to vote. It is important to vote at your assigned polling location to ensure you get to vote on all measures and contests pertaining to your neighborhood. Your polling location is listed on the back of your sample ballot or you can look it up online at www.lavote.net. You can access this information by phone at 1-800-815-2666.

Third, know what is available when you vote. Disability access and multilingual services are available at all polling locations. If your name is not on the list of voters, you have the right to vote a provisional ballot. Should this occur, be sure to provide complete information so your eligibility can be verified and your vote counted.

Finally, plan when to vote. Plan on a little extra waiting time - voting starts at 7:00 a.m. and continues through 8:00 p.m. on November 4th. For those with the flexibility, mid-day voting is recommended to avoid lines. Any voter in line when the polls close at 8:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

If you vote by mail, be sure your voted ballot is returned in time for receipt at the Registrar's Office - or turn it in at any county polling location - by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

For more information about services available to all voters, please visit www.lavote.net. Remember on Election Day, your vote is your voice. You count!

Dean C. Logan is the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk for Los Angeles County

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