By lblack16@gmail.com

In California there are a number of bills on their way to the Governors office, with many lawmakers having crafted measures dealing directly with the election process.   With the passage of Senate Bill 113, the year 2008 will mark new legislation that moves the Presidential Primary to February; giving California voters a real say in the decision of who becomes the next U.S. President.

One elected official, Assemblymember Curren D. Price, Jr. (D-Inglewood), as the Chair of the Elections and Redistricting Committee, has been particularly diligent and taken his responsibilities seriously during his first year in office.   From the beginning, Price was able to play an instrumental role in SB 113.  Price, a long-time advocate of voter rights and education, recognized the need to get voters more involved in this exciting process and introduced ACR 67.   Other Assemblymembers embraced ACR 67, voted for Price's bill and named January 2008 as Voter Registration Month. All eligible California voters are encouraged to register to vote by January 22, 2008, in order to be able to vote in the February 2008 Presidential Primary Election.  

In recent years, voters in general, and California voters in particular, have found their way less often to the voting booths of America.  It would be wonderful to see California voters get out to vote in large numbers.  Any legislation that combats voter apathy should be commended.   Every vote counts and it is critical that each of us do our part to make a difference in our community, our state and our country.  Remember to remind your friends and family on the importance of  voting and how special it is to our nation.  Let your voice be heard, participate in activities surrounding Voter Registration Month.