Voter deadline nears for Feb. 5 primary
Absentee voting already underway
By Eliav Appelbaum eliav@theacorn.com

The 2008 California presidential primary is less than a month away, but there's still time to register to vote. The registration deadline is Tues., Jan. 22.

Voter registration forms are available at all city halls, fire stations, public libraries, post offices and Chambers of Commerce.

To be eligible to vote, a person must at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen, and cannot have been convicted of a felony.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tues., Feb. 5, but many residents will get a jump on voting since the absentee voting period began Jan. 7.

The upcoming primary election will help narrow the field of candidates for the general election in November.The ballot also features seven statewide propositions, but no local measures.

Those who are registered with a political party will receive their party's ballot. Those who are not registered with a political party may vote in the Democrat or American Independent Party's primary, but only registered Republicans can vote in that party's primary. There is no limit to how many times someone can change party affiliation, according to Virginia Bloom, deputy county clerk for the Ventura County Registrar of Voters.

All Los Angeles and Ventura county registered voters should have received a sample ballot in the mail, detailing their poll location. If someone still isn't sure where to vote, the Los Angeles County website http://lavote.net and Ventura County's recorder.countyofventura.org/ elections.htm will guide voters based on their address.

The ballots of absentee voters must be postmarked at least seven days before the election.

All ballots must be marked in blue or black ink pens (not felt tip).

Given the unusually large field of candidates and the fact that neither a presidential nor a vice presidential incumbent is competing, this year's primary election is especially significant. And, given the fact that about one in eight Americans is now a Californian, the outcome of the state's primary will carry much weight.