Voting is easy

Sun., Aug. 8, 2004

The Spokesman-Review

Surveys show that many young people feel they lack enough information to vote. For the uninitiated, here are six steps that prove voting is nothing to be intimidated by.

“ First, register to vote. In Spokane County, go to the elections office at 1033 W. Gardner Ave. or get a registration form online at spokanecounty.org/

elections/Default.aspx.

You can register by mail up to 30 days before the elections; after that, you can still sign up in person at the elections office up to 15 days before the election.

Call the county elections office with questions: (509) 477-2320.

Kootenai County residents can register up to – and including – Election Day. To register early, go to the Kootenai County Elections Office, 315 W. Garden Ave., Coeur d’Alene. On Election Day, you can register at the polls by providing proof of residence and a photo ID.

“ Student registration. College students may register to vote at their school address. The Rock the Vote Web site (rockthevote.com) includes information on registering as a student.

“ Vote from home. If you choose, you may get an absentee ballot and vote by mail. To receive an absentee ballot, contact your elections office.

“ Bone up. Follow campaign coverage in the local media and look for voter guides produced y the states. Don’t know where to vote? Find your polling place – along with other voting resources – at spokesmanreview.com /elections/.

“ Show up. In Washington, the primary is Sept. 14, while Idaho’s primary is over for the year. The general election is Nov. 2.

“ Don’t be intimidated. Here’s the argument made by Rock the Vote: “You don’t need to be a genius or even politically oriented to be qualified to vote. Really, you just need to have an opinion. We always encourage you to have an informed opinion … but don’t feel intimidated by the complexity of the issues – you don’t have to meet anyone else’s standard but your own.”

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