By Jeff Kovaleski
Tribune managing editor
Kokomo — THE ISSUE
Oct. 4 is the deadline to register to vote this November.
OUR VIEW
Take time in the next few weeks to verify your voting status.
Labor Day has come and gone, we’re two months removed from Nov. 2 and rarely a day passes without news concerning the 2010 elections.
• According to The Associated Press Friday, incumbent Democrats in Congress already are releasing negative TV ads discrediting Republicans – before they have a chance to introduce themselves to voters.
• Democratic Senate candidate Brad Ellsworth said Friday Republican opponent Dan Coats lied when he said Ellsworth voted in Congress to close the Guantanamo detention facility. Coats spokesman Pete Seat said the ad is accurate.
So, we have to ask – are you registered to vote? Voter registration ends Oct. 4. 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. We encourage you to get registered and vote Nov. 2.
