Sen. Hannon Reminds Residents To Register To Vote

Because New York's Presidential Primary has been moved up to February 5th, the deadline to register to vote is also earlier than it has ever been if you are not already an enrolled voter. Those who are not registered to vote must register by January 11, 2008 if they want to be able to vote on February 5th.

In order to vote in the primary, you must be registered in either the Republican or Democratic Party, and you must vote in the party's primary in which you are enrolled. Those not enrolled in a party and those enrolled in a "third party" (Independence, Conservative or Working Families) are not eligible to vote in the Presidential Primary.

If you are already registered to vote in a particular party, you may not change your party registration to vote in a different party's primary on February 5th. Any change made now to your registered political party would not take effect until after the November 2008 elections.

To register, you can download a voter registration form at the Nassau County Board of Elections website: http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/BOE/voter_registration.html. You can also call the Board at (516) 571-2411 and have a form mailed to you. Moreover, many public libraries have voter registration forms available.

Senator Hannon said, "New York has traditionally had a later primary, with nominees all but certain in the Republican and Democratic parties by the time we voted. New York will exert a larger amount of influence over this year's major party nominees due to our earlier scheduled primary."

It has never been more important for New Yorkers to make their voices heard at the ballot box.

In order to be eligible, you must be an American citizen, having lived in Nassau County for at least 30 days, and be at least 18 years old by February 5th.

Those interested in registering can also call Senator Hannon's office at (516) 739-1700 and ask that a form be sent to them.