Student California Teachers Association

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Stand Up and Be Counted!

Rebecca Wagoner, State Council Representative, California Baptist University

We'd better stand up and be counted or we could end up spending another four years with the "Governator." The Gubernatorial election is coming and it is of utmost importance that each and every one of us gets out there and votes. I know it may seem like a pain but it is an opportunity to let our voices be heard and change the face of the legislature as we know it. For example, look at the last propositions that tried to go through. Did we let our voice be heard or what! Yes, we can make change and we can do it loudly if we all vote.

Here's what you need to do:

Register - You can even do it online at https://ovr.ss.ca.gov/votereg/OnlineVoterReg
Absentee Info - Registered voters can apply for an absentee ballot, by mail, for the November 7, 2006 election. Applications must be submitted to the county elections officials no later than 5 p.m. on October 31, 2006. The application to vote by absentee ballot is available as a PDF download at http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/Outreach/absentee/links/absentee_app_gen.pdf
Once processed, the ballot will be mailed to you and then you can send the ballot back by mail.
Read the candidate statements - There are 16 candidates running for Governor. See what they have to say and decide which one seems most promising. CTA endorses Phil Angelides and you can find information about him at http://www.angelides.com. Check out his "Teachers for our Future" section under Issues/Education.
Find your polling place and know the dates - You can locate your polling place online at http://ss.ca.gov/elections/elections_ppl.htm.

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
10/09/06 - First day to request absentee ballot application by mail
10/31/06 - Last day to request absentee ballot application by mail
11/7/06 - Election Day

It's so simple now and with so many online tools, there's no reason not to vote! You never even have to leave the comfort of your own home. Make sure you visit these two really important and cool websites:

http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/elections.htm

http://www.rockthevote.org/.

Then STAND UP and BE COUNTED!