Today Is the Last Day to Register to Vote

Today is the last day to register to vote, or to change your registration, for the 2010 midterm election. 

"Why bother?" some ask.

Well, "if you don't vote then people like me get to make the decisions," said Agi Kessler, chair of the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley. "And you may not agree with my point of view." Gary Aminoff, President of the San Fernando Valley Republican Club, concurs. "Nothing will change unless [voters] get their opinion heard. And the only way they will get their opinion heard is by registering and voting," he said.

Voter Registration Resources

One of the best resources Chatsworth residents have when it comes to voting is the California Secretary of State's web page on voter registration: http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_vr.htm. You'll find frequently asked questions, where to register, how to register, a link to check the status of your registration and other aids.

You can also find comprehensive information on voting and voter registration at the Los Angeles Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's site: http://www.lavote.net/. Choose the "Voter and Election Information" link on the left. Specific registration information on the site can be found at: http://www.lavote.net/Voter/Voter_Registration.cfm. The County Clerk's office is at 12400 Imperial Hwy., Norwalk. Call 1-800-815-2666. Click here for a map.

A copy of the voter registration form can be downloaded from this site as well: www.sos.ca.gov/nvrc/fedform/, or click on the image to the right of this story.

Other websites that offer helpful and thorough information for voter registration include:

• canIvote.org: http://www.canivote.org/.
• The California Voter Foundation: http://calvoter.org/voter/faq.html.
• RockTheVote.org: http://www.rockthevote.com/rtv_voter_registration.html?source

Other Resources

Voter registration forms are also available at most post offices. However, because today is the last day for registration, completed forms may not be turned in there. They need to be taken to the county registrar's office in person.

Both Kessler and Aminoff said that completed forms also can be dropped off at their respective offices. The Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley's headquarters is located at 7221 Van Nuys Blvd. in Van Nuys.

Aminoff gave two locations: his club's headquarters in Burbank, 1903 W. Magnolia Blvd., or in Woodland Hills at 20812 Ventura Blvd. 

For more information, contact the Democrats at 818-995-DEMS or by visiting www.dpsfv.com, or the Republicans at 310-387-6900 or www.sfvrc.org.

The only way that your vote doesn't count, said Kessler, is "if you don't cast it."