TexasCHLforum.com

I just want to take a moment to bring up a few items that will be of great import over the coming weeks.

• First, if you are not yet registered to vote, the absolute deadline to register to be eligible to vote in the November 4 General Election is October 6. This can be either the postmark date or the date the application is received in the office of the voter registrar. But don't wait that long...and don't let anyone you know who needs to register wait that long.

Voter registration becomes effective 30 days after it is submitted (and accepted) by the county voter registrar. The county office will then put your name on the voter registration list, generate your voter certificate and mail it to you. So cut yourself some slack and get it done by September 15. Early voting for the November election begins October 20, and if you plan to vote early your registration must be in effect by that date.

• Second, are you sure you're really registered to vote? For example, have you moved since you last received your voter registration card? Some folks think that if they move within the same county they don't have to take any action. Not true! If you moved within the same county where you are currently registered, you must file the new address information in writing with your voter registrar OR you may submit the "in county" change online. The last day to make a change of address that will be effective for the November 4, 2008 election is the same as a new registration: October 6, 2008. If you miss this deadline, you may return to your old precinct to vote, but you will not be able to vote in the precinct where you now live.

You can confirm your current voter registration status at Online Voter Central, on the Texas Secretary of State's Website. You can search by your Texas Driver's License number, your Voter Unique Identifier (VUID) which appears on your voter registration card, or by last name and first name. The latter might be less than helpful if you have a common name.

• Third, new voter registration cards are mailed out every two years. If you did not receive a new orange and white card in early 2008, it could mean that you have moved without updating or that there is some other problem with your registration. Check your registration status at Online Voter Central and take any action required to bring your registration current.

• Last, don't forget October 20. Any registered voter may vote early by personal appearance (in person). Early voting by personal appearance for the November 4, 2008 General Election begins on October 20, 2008 and ends on October 31, 2008. You may go to any early voting location that is convenient, as long as it is in your county of registration.