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NRL News
The
Importance of Being Registered to Vote A visitor from Mars could turn on a TV, open a newspaper, or surf the web and immediately discover that 2008 is an election year. But said visitor would be forgiven for some confusion regarding how an election actually works. Unfortunately for them, extraterrestrial readers are ineligible to vote in the elections this year. But if you are at least 18 years old—and especially if you are pro-life—you owe it to yourself to learn the details of what it takes to vote. Imagine getting all excited on Election Day about voting for the first time, or for the first time in a new address and/or a new city, only to find that—through some simple oversight—you’re not properly registered, and it’s too late. Your unhappiness will be compounded by the knowledge that the pro-abortion forces are out there working hard to register their own people. National Right to Life can help you with the registration process. Registering is easy. We have taken a number of steps at our web page—www.nrlc.org—to make it even easier. It is important to stress that, since registration is done through your state, the information you must submit may vary. Registration deadlines also vary widely, with many states setting them about a month in advance of the election. So a word to the wise: Stay on the safe side by applying for an application to register now, while it is fresh in your mind. You might wonder, do I need to register? Generally, you do not need to do so again if you registered to vote for a prior election and still live at the same address. However, if you have never voted before, or have not voted while living at your current address, you will need to register. Perhaps the easiest way to complete a voter registration application is to go through National Right to Life’s web site—www.nrlc.org. The process is very user-friendly. First, click on the “Register to Vote” box on the left side of the homepage. A map of the United States will appear and you will click on your state. At that point you will be able to review the specific rules that apply to you. You will be asked to affirm that you are an eligible citizen and to provide your personal information, including an e-mail address. You may register with a party of your choice. (Doing so may be required if you wish to vote in an upcoming primary.) A few clicks later you will see all the information you’ve entered inserted into the proper spaces on the form itself. Print out the form, sign and date it, and affix the proper postage. Most applicants will need to enclose a copy of a valid photo ID or a qualified document that indicates your name and address. Again, follow your individual state’s instructions. Only one step remains. Put all of this in the mail and wait for confirmation from the authorities that you are registered and ready to vote. It’s quite simple, really. Note: This form is accepted by all states except New Hampshire, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. For these four states you will find links to their respective voter registration offices. Ambitious pro-lifers won’t stop there, however. You may already be registered or, having just registered yourself, will want to ensure that all your pro-life friends are also ready to vote. After downloading the form, you will see the “Tell a Friend” section that allows you to notify up to six friends via e-mail of the registration link. Include any Hispanic friends, as they may register “En Espańol” by clicking the button at the top of the first page. For all those who want to learn more, right above “Tell a Friend” are links to races in your state and to action alerts that will keep you informed of the latest-breaking legislative developments. If you run into difficulties check with your local authorities, who are the experts in registration requirements. Your phone book, and certainly your Internet-ready computer, should be able to direct you to your state’s elections division. But if you have pertinent and/or general questions, feel free to give Tim Wymore or Luis Zaffirini a call at National Right to Life’s national office. They can be reached at (202) 626-8800, extensions 138 and 142, respectively. The fall election season is here. With the big election only weeks away, it behooves all eligible pro-life voters to get ready to vote before it’s too late. Don’t count on the mass media or your friendly local Martian to get ready for you. The stakes for pro-life people everywhere are incredibly high. Are you prepared? |