WHY IS THERE AN ELECTION ON NOV. 7, 2006
     November 7 is the regularly scheduled election date for the California General Election.
The election includes: Federal, State, Supreme, Appellate, Superior Court, School and Special District (Fire, Water, etc.) offices, and also 17 of the 18 cities. There are 13 statewide propositions, one countywide, and 19 others in jurisdictions around the county.

WHO CAN VOTE IN THIS ELECTION?
     All registered voters in the County of San Diego are eligible to vote. The last day to register to vote for this election is Monday, Oct. 23, 2006. Voter registration cards are available at Post Offices, Department of Motor Vehicles and Library buildings, as well as various City Clerk offices, and the Registrar of Voters at 5201 Ruffin Road, Suite I, San Diego (Kearny Mesa area).
     IMPORTANT: The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) — a Federal Law - states that voters must enter a California driver’s license number or a California ID number on their voter registration affidavit when they register to vote. If a voter does not have a California driver’s license or ID number, then the last four digits of your Social Security number is required. For more information, please call (858) 565-5800.

WHERE WILL THE POLLS BE LOCATED?
     There will be 1,650 poll locations throughout the county. Your poll location will be shown on the back cover of your sample ballot pamphlet. You may also determine your poll location by calling the Registrar of Voters at (858) 565-5800.

POLLWORKERS
     The Registrar of Voters is also recruiting poll workers for this election. Poll workers must be registered voters and will be paid from $75 to $165 depending on their assignment. If you are interested in becoming a poll worker, please check the Registrar’s web site at www.sdvote.com and/or call (858) 565-5800. Especially needed are English-Filipino, English-Spanish, and English-Vietnamese speaking poll workers.

WHAT IF YOU WANT TO VOTE BUT CANNOT MAKE IT TO THE POLLS ON ELECTION DAY?
     You may request an absentee ballot by (1) calling the Registrar of Voters and requesting an application; (2) completing the application card on the back of your sample ballot pamphlet; or (3) writing your own request. Applications should be sent to the San Diego County Registrar of Voters, 5201 Ruffin Road, Suite I, San Diego, 92123. A faxed application is also acceptable. The fax number is (858) 694-2955.
     Applications requesting an absentee ballot must contain your name, registered address in San Diego, signature and address where the ballot is to be mailed. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2006.
You may also vote at the Office of the Registrar of Voters beginning on Monday, Oct. 9, 2006, through Election Day (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The Registrar’s Office will also be open for voting from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 4 and 5); the weekend preceding Election Day. Please call (858) 565-5800 for additional information.

Step one: Register to Vote

You Can Register to Vote in California, if you are:
A U.S. Citizen
A California Resident
At least 18 years of age on or before the next election
Not in prison or on parole for a felony conviction
Not declared mentally incompetent by court action

     Registration is Easy! Here are three ways you can register to vote:

Option 1 — Download the Registration Form from, fill out and return to the RoV Main Office.
Registration Form in pdf format: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/voters/Eng/eng_vote.pdf.

Option 2 — Postcard Registration. Postcards are available for pickup at the following locations:
RoV Main Office
City Clerks’ Offices
Department of Motor Vehicles
U.S. Postal Services
Public Libraries

Option 3 — Have a postcard mailed directly to you. Call the RoV Main Office at (858) 565-5800, request a registration postcard. Once received, fill out and return back to the RoV.

It’s that Simple!

Editor’s Note: In addition to candidates profiles, The Alpine Sun encourages all eligible citizens to vote in the Nov. 7 election. Participation is key in any democratic system. In coming weeks we will bring you more information about elections, voting, and of course about your local candidates.