Be sure you are registered to vote by tomorrow

Through demographics available to us through Facebook and Google, we know that the thousands of subscribers to our website, Twitter and Facebook page are of voting age, better educated, either employed or retired, and willing to take the time to learn about the candidates before they cast their votes.

Our readers use technology as a timesaver when planning and organizing their day and to communicate with their contemporaries — often linking to or republishing our stories on their own blogs, social network pages or through e-mail.

Combined with subscriber information from our news feeds at Feedburner and information available from the Supervisor of Elections Office, we can determine and say with confidence that Historic City News readers are also “likely voters”.

All of that qualifies us to say Historic City News readers are better informed voters.

Although I am writing this editorial knowing that it will be read by our subscribers who are already registered to vote, I am asking you to recognize the importance of tomorrow, Monday, July 26, 2010, which is the last day to register to be able to vote in the August 24th Primary Election — not for yourselves, but, for a friend or a neighbor who may not have “bothered” to register in the past.

Encourage others to learn about their choices and to recognize the difference between candidates.

This is not a Presidential election year so voter turnout will likely be lower; however, as I have said many times, it is the government closest to you that will have the most effect on your life.

There are two county commission seats and a State Representative elected in less than thirty days. Tomorrow’s deadline will catch some people off-guard. People are thinking about summer vacations, not political campaigns or elections.

“Voter Registration books close 29 days prior to each election,” Supervisor of Elections Penny Halyburton told Historic City News. “In order to be eligible to vote in an election, you must be registered prior to the deadline.”

You may complete an online Florida Voter Registration Application by visiting the following link: https://www.voterfocus.com/ws/Pfinder/printvapp4.php?county=stjohns&return=

Printed Florida Voter Registration Applications are also available at the following locations:

– St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections Office
– St. Johns County Tax Collector Offices
– St. Johns County Public Libraries Branch Locations
– State agencies that provide public assistance and serve persons with disabilities
– County Governmental Offices
– Armed Forces Recruitment Offices

With so many issues at stake this year, you owe it to yourself to educate and encourage your friends as well as those in your circle of influence, to register, inform themselves, and vote.

Michael Gold, Editor
HISTORIC CITY NEWS
St. Augustine and St. Johns County, FL