Don’t Sit This One Out!

Radio Commentary, 90.7, 91.7 New Life FM, September 14, 2012
By Sue Ella Deadwyler

Good morning, Jim. Today, I have another deadline for you. Anyone who is not registered to vote in the presidential election can get it done at the county public library. THAT’s where the forms are! THAT’s where they’ll help you fill them out! THAT’s where they’ll send it in for you, IF you are a citizen of Georgia and the United States; IF you live at the address you put on the voter registration application; IF you are at least 17 ½ years old when you register and 18 by the time you vote; and IF you are eligible to vote in Georgia.

The two categories of citizens that are NOT eligible to vote in Georgia are convicted felons who have NOT completed their sentence and individuals who are mentally incompetent. However, a convicted felon who has completed his sentence CAN vote and so can a mentally disabled person who has recovered.

Applicants registering in person must use a black or blue pen and, PERSONALLY, complete the form, but individuals who are illiterate or disabled will be given the help they need. Applicants that do not have a Georgia Driver’s License or Georgia State-issued ID or a Social Security number will be assigned a unique identification number.

Registration forms are available on line. They may be downloaded, printed, completed and mailed to the county elections office, BUT a proper ID must be included, UNLESS the application is signed in the presence of the county registrar or deputy registrar and the application is immediately submitted.

If your address has changed since you registered to vote, you must notify the county registrar. Then, you’ll be mailed a precinct card containing the location of your polling place and your local, state, and federal voting districts. If you move within 30 days of an election, you may vote in your old precinct for that election.

No doubt, you’ve heard many say this is the most important election of our life-time. To that I say, “This is no time to be stubborn!” Please don’t stay home, even if you don’t like the candidates. This election is NOT about personalities; it’s about the survival of this constitutional republic called the United States of America! We CANNOT sit this election out! For Georgia Insight I’m Sue Ella Deadwyler, your Capitol correspondent.