Pictured Left to right: Jackie Vita, Senator Kemp Hannon, 2nd District Court candidates Ignatius Muscarella, Judge Fran Ricigliano, and Ed Cumming. Recently Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City) met with members of the Garden City Republican Club at their September meeting. Residents turned out in great number to hear guest speaker, District Court Judge Francis Ricigliano, who provided an in depth discussion about DWI laws. In looking ahead to the remaining weeks before Election Day, Hannon reminds all citizens of the approaching voter deadlines. "The right to vote is one of the most fundamental rights we as American citizens have," said Senator Hannon. "We have to make sure that as many people as possible take advantage of that right by registering to vote before the deadlines, especially those who wish to vote absentee if you know you will be unable to vote in person on November 4."

To apply for an absentee ballot, a citizen must be either unavoidably absent from his or her county on Election Day due to illness, disability, or detained in jail. "College students now getting ready to head off to college may want to take advantage of voting absentee, as for many, this will be their first Presidential Election. Those serving in the military may also wish to avail themselves of this option as well," Hannon continued.

The last day to register to vote either in person or by mail for the Nov ember 4th general election is October 10th. Mail-in applications must be postmarked by that day and received by the Board of Elections no later than October 15th except, if you have been honorably discharged from the military or have become a naturalized citizen since October 10th, you may register in person as late as October 24th.

The last day for the Board of Elections to receive an application to vote via an absentee ballot from those previously registered to vote is October 28th. If applying in person for an absentee ballot, you have until November 3rd to complete and postmark. Any postmarked ballot returned by mail must be received by November 11th. The last day to deliver your absentee ballot in person to the Board of Elections is November 4th.

Applications are available to register from the Board of Elections at located at 400 County Seat Drive, Mineola, (516)571-2411, Senator Hannon's Office, 224 7th Street, (516) 739-1700 or at the local Garden City Campaign Headquarters by contacting (516)606-5231. You may also wish to visit www.Kemphannon.com for additional information or visit the Board of Elections site at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/boe/index.html.

All residents are welcome to attend the October 8, meeting of the Garden City Republican Club for their annual Candidate Night, 8 PM at the Garden City Senior Recreation Center. All Republican candidates have been invited and Assemblyman Thomas McKevitt will be the featured guest speaker as well. McKevitt is currently the ranking minority member on the Committee on Mental Health, and also serves on the Judiciary, Small Business, and Social Services Committees. Refreshments will be served.