by Van Parish

• Van Parish is the State Director of the California Democratic Party's Every Vote Counts Campaign

Once again this November Americans will have the unique opportunity to exercise their right to cast a ballot in the upcoming Presidential election. Here in California we will not only play a role in selecting the next President, but we will also select the men and women who will represent our interests in Washington, Sacramento and our local city halls. These individuals shape policies that impact every aspect of our lives. Whether it is the quality of education our children obtain in school or the level of care our parents receive as senior citizens, elected officials determine the distribution of government resources.

Every election gives us an opportunity to have a say in how these resources are distributed in our community. African American voters have an exceptional role to play in this and every election. Denied the vote for decades through institutionalized disenfranchisement, we owe it to our ancestors to participate in the political process. Our votes are our voices and each election we must be heard.

Many question the value of their vote, too many think their votes don't count and after the debacle of Florida it is easy to understand this attitude. However, when we fail to vote our communities suffer. Harmful policies are developed when good citizens don't participate.

In California it is very easy to register to vote. If you are a United States citizen who will be 18 years of age before November 2nd of this year you are eligible to register and vote in the upcoming election. You can obtain a voter registration card at the library, post office or Department of Motor Vehicles near you. You can also register online by visiting the Secretary of State's website atwww.ss.ca.gov/elections/elections_vr.htm. You must register by October 18th.
 
Ex-felons who are no longer on parole may also have their voting rights restored by filling out a registration card.

For those who may not remember to vote on Election Day, California also allows voters the opportunity to "Vote at Home" by requesting an absentee ballot. Any registered voter may request that a ballot be mailed to them at home. The voter then simply returns the ballot to the registrar before Election Day.

To learn about candidates and ballot measures in your area you can contact the County Registrar of Voters in your area or the local League of Women Voters. www.lwv.org <http://www.lwv.org/> . Of course you can also contact the local Party organization in your area.

November 2nd is Election Day. Don't forget to vote and remember to bring your family and neighbors to the polls.