I’m writing to give everyone a friendly reminder to register to vote. This election year, as you all have witnessed, is pivotal in all aspects of America from the economy, to the environment, to the war in Iraq. Frankly, I don’t care so much what your politics are, what I do care about is that we all register to vote.

I passionately believe that my vote will make a difference, perhaps against all logic, because I am just one person. But consider this, the greatest enemy of our time is not terrorism or global warming or war, it is apathy. We are constantly disgusted by those who turn a blind eye to suffering and cruelty as we read about wars and genocides in the news. Don’t find yourself doing the same. Voting is where it begins.

As for California , it actually DOES matter. Back in the 2004 Election, Californians voted 45% Bush and 54% Kerry. The race is closer than you think.

So, I’ve done the hard work for you and gotten all the information you’ll need in order to vote. The deadline for your registration to be post marked is October 20, 2008 (in California). Now I’ve done some research and found that the easiest website to register through is RockTheVote.org.

DEADLINE: October 20

Website: RockTheVote.org

Step 1: Fill out the one page form (It’s really just your name, address, and birth date, etc)

Step 2: Print it out

Step 3: Mail it

Seriously, it is insanely simple, probably easier than setting up an email account. It will literally take you about 2 minutes. Like Sarah Silverman said, you can even do it while you poop on the toilet, given that you have a laptop of course. And please wash your hands.

Early voting starts in October 6^th in California. This means, if you are already registered to vote, you can start casting your ballots starting on Monday.  You will have up until November 4^th to vote.  So go anytime you want!  Also, you can vote by mail using absentee voting before Nov. 4^th.

If you stroll down to the bottom of this article I’ve also done a quick breakdown of each proposition on the ballot, so you can get an idea of what each is about.  Also, I’ve included links for you to learn about each Presidential Candidate in case you are unfamiliar with them.

Important dates recap:

October 6, 2008: Early voting at City Hall begins

October 20, 2008: Last day to register to vote

October 28, 2008: Last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot

November 4, 2008 General Election

The bottom line is, register and vote. Let’s all take responsibility. After all, we all gain from the benefits of this democratic society, now it is time to do our part.

For those who aren’t in California, please check with your state for local deadlines and such.

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Presidential Candidates:

Barack Obama vs. John McCain - Issues break down:

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/politics/content/shared/news/interactives/edge_obama_vs_mccain/

Ballot Propositions:

Prop 1A:

Would enact the Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21st Century

Prop 2:

Treatment of farm animals. Requires that an enclosure or tether confining specified farm animals allow the animals for the majority of every day to fully extend their limbs or wings, lie down, stand up, and turn around.

Prop 3:

Authorizes $980,000,000 in bonds, to be repaid from state’s General Fund, to fund the construction, expansion, remodeling, renovation, furnishing and equipping of children’s hospitals.

Prop 4:

Requires doctors to inform the parent or guardian of a minor 48 hours before providing an abortion

Prop 5:

Requires State to expand and increase funding and oversight for individualized treatment and rehabilitation programs for nonviolent drug offenders and parolees.

Prop 6:

Requires new state spending on various programs to combat crime and gangs, and to operate prison and parole systems.

Prop 7:

Requires all utilities, including government-owned utilities, to generate 20% of their power from renewable energy by 2010, a standard currently applicable only to private electrical corporations.

Prop 8:

A constitutional ban on gay marriage.

Prop 9:

Victim’s rights. Requires notification to victim and opportunity for input during phases of criminal justice process, including bail, pleas, sentencing and parole.

Prop 10:

Authorizes $5 billion in bonds towards alternative fuel vehicles and renewable energy.

Prop 11:

Creates 14-member redistricting commission responsible for drawing new district lines.

Prop 12:

Veterans Bond Act of 2008. This bill would authorize, for purposes of financing a specified program for farm, home, and mobile home purchase assistance for veterans.

To find out more information on the propositions (pros vs cons), please visit http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/California_2008_ballot_measures

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This piece was written by a contributing writer, Mamie Young from California.