Here we are, three months before the May 4 primary – and rarely a day passes without news concerning the 2010 elections.
• U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer announces he won’t seek re-election to the 4th congressional district.
• Secretary of State Todd Rokita announces he will seek Buyer’s congressional seat.
• State Sen. Brandt Hershman, R-Wheatfield, announces he also will campaign for the 4th district.
So, we have to ask – are you registered to vote? Voter registration ends April 5. Take time in the next few weeks to verify your voting status.
All you have to do is call your county voter registration office. In Howard County, that number is 456-2219; in Carroll, 564-6795; in Cass, 753-7870; in Miami, 472-3901, Ext. 226, and in Tipton, 675-2795.
If you’re not registered, all you need to do is fill out a simple form that asks for your name, address, birth date and a voter identification number (that’s your Indiana driver’s license number).
If you don’t have a driver’s license, then you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number. And if you don’t have that, you’ll be assigned an ID number by your county of residence.
You can register at your county voter registration office, circuit court office or public assistance office. You won’t need to present personal identification documents.
But don’t forget. On Election Day, you’ll need to bring with you a picture ID, issued by the state or federal government. Your driver’s license will be sufficient.
However, if you don’t have a valid license, you’ll need to get a state ID card at a license branch.
If you’re religiously opposed to being photographed, you’ll still be allowed to vote. And if you forget your ID Election Day, you’ll be allowed to cast a provisional ballot.
Most of us live in this part of Indiana because we care about our families, friends and neighbors who live here, too. With blessings come responsibilities. You have a stake in your community and state. We encourage you to get registered and vote May 4.
