EDITORIAL: "Register Early, Vote Often"

We are picking a president this year (in case you haven't heard), and before November there might be a home state primary in which you might want to vote. Even though you might not be home for it, you can still get an absentee ballot and vote from here. Think of it: for the majority of students on campus, this is perhaps the first year you are eligible to vote in a national election. There may also be local elections in which you could cast a ballot, for everything from state representatives down to the school board. So if you want to vote at home, make sure you register for an absentee ballot before it's too late. Deadlines are coming up for most states. Or consider registering in Pennsylvania. Besides the national election, Philadelphians will be voting for senators and representatives, both nationally and within the state. Being registered here also gives you that little bit of extra leverage with state lawmakers when it comes to lobbying for University funding. You do not need to reregister in Philadelphia if you have voted at least once in the past two calendar years and have not moved to a different voting district in that time. However, even a small change in address -- from High Rise East to High Rise South, for example -- will probably mean you are in a different district. For more information, call Philadelphia Voter Registration at 686-1509.