Don’t underestimate the power of your own single vote! Just a few votes may decide an election. Our last presidential election emphasized this when the difference between Bush and Gore in Florida and other states was just a handful of votes. Our recent local election here in Malibu was a disgrace. A very low percentage of registered voters cast their ballots; actually the lowest percentage ever! What is even worst is that so many of our “patriotic” citizens did not even bother to register.
The November 2002 election is going to be, as usual, very important. First, be sure you are registered. If you have moved, changed your name or if you are a new voter, you need to complete a voter registration form. These can be found in our library, post office, and other public offices. Political parties also have a supply of these forms. The forms are simple to fill out, and they can be mailed in. This is a very easy process so please do get registered NOW so that you do not miss the deadline in mid October.
To make it even easier, a very patriotic and concerned lady has a registration table in front of our main post office on Fridays. She is strictly a volunteer who is just very concerned that all of us get registered and vote. Would it not be wonderful if all of us were so concerned about the future of Malibu, California, our country and our world!
Of course, you need to vote wisely. To be prepared, study the issues and the candidates’ capabilities and positions on the issues. There are those who really want a low turnout. They just make sure that their supporters get to the polls. They call it a “Quality Election” when there is a low turnout since it is a much easier election to control!
Now it is possible for registered voters to vote by mail! The forms are also available in the public offices, but the candidates and issue proponents make this really easy by sending out absentee ballots with their campaign literature. It is also possible to sign up to be a permanent absentee voter. In L.A. County, call the registrar’s office (562)466-1323 or write to the Registrar of Voters at P.O. Box 30450, Los Angeles, CA, 90030-0450.
It is certainly hoped that Malibu can do better in this coming November election than we did in the last ones. It really is every Malibu patriotic citizen’s right and responsibility to vote and to vote wisely. Please show your patriotism!
Dorothy Green