October 30, 2008 - Steps to ensure every vote counts

Paper: Inland Valley Daily Bulletin ( Ontario, CA)
Title: Steps to ensure every vote counts
Date: October 30, 2008

Voting isn't what it used to be.

Not too long ago, you could rely on the polls being at the same place they had always been, where you'd cast your ballot on Election Day the same way you always had.

No, these days, there are options. You can use mail ballots, maybe early voting or traditional polling places. We like the added options, but they also require, for now, a dose of voter vigilance, patience and perseverance.

Consider the issues that voters must navigate. Efforts to call into question some voter registrations have been confusing. Is your registration complete and active, or were you removed from the active rolls? Check your registration in advance with the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters by calling (909) 387-8300. If you live in Los Angeles County, visit the registrar's Web site at www.lavote.net.

Voters who requested mail-in ballots have the extra burden of verifying their ballots made it to election officials. In San Bernardino County, voters can visit the registrar's Web site to track their ballots. ( www.sbcounty.gov/rov/)

Voters with mail-in ballots also need to get on the stick. If you haven't already mailed your ballot, speak with a representative at your local postal office. Depending on where you live in this vast region, there's a chance a ballot mailed after today won't make it to election officials. If you've missed the deadline, investigate your options for dropping off your ballot in person.

And for those who didn't request mail-in ballots but can't wait for the polls to open Tuesday, there's always early voting , available in both counties. Visit their Web sites for details.

This election season has been inspiring for the interest and participation it has evoked.

We hope the fervor is matched by voter perseverance. Every vote should count.