The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 4 general election is Monday, Oct. 20.

You can return your completed registration form to the Lake County Registrar of Voters at the Courthouse in Lakeport by 5 p.m. on that day.

If you need to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot, the request must be at the Registrar of Voters Office in the Lake County courthouse by Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 5 p.m.

Here are items to know in order to exercise your franchise and your right as an American citizen.

Voters should re-register if they have missed a general election.

Voters need to fill out a new form if they have changed their name, their physical or mailing addresses, or party affiliation.

People who have been convicted of a felony and have completed their parole obligations are entitled to reclaim their franchise and register to vote.

There is an impression that when people go to the Department of Motor Vehicles to change the address on their driver’s license and check that little box on the bottom of the form that this will also take care of their voter registration status. This only will work if you are moving from one area to another inside the same county.

If you moved here from another county, you need to fill out a voter registration form and re-register with your new Lake County address.

Employees can ask their employers for up to two hours of paid time off to vote if they notify their employer at least three days in advance.

Employers are required by California Election code to post “Time Off to Vote” notices at least 10 days before the general elections.

The form provided by the Secretary of State is available here: www.ss.ca.gov/elections/Outreach/posters/toveng.pdf.

If you are going to be overseas or are in the uniformed military service and wish to vote absentee fill out a form available at the California Secretary of State’s Web site here: www.fvap.gov/pubs/onlinefpca.pdf.

It is easy to become a permanent absentee voter, just check the appropriate box on your original affidavit when you register, or fill out a permanent absentee registration.

You have the right to cast a ballot if you are a valid registered voter. A valid registered voter means a United State citizen who is at least 18 years of age and not in prison or on parole for conviction of a felony, and who is registered to vote at his or her current residence address.

You have the right to cast a provisional ballot if your name is not listed on the voting rolls.

You have the right to cast a ballot if you are present and in line at the polling place prior to the closing of the polls.

You have the right to cast a secret ballot free from intimidation.

You have the right to receive a new ballot if, prior to casting your ballot, you believe you made a mistake.

If at any time before you finally cast your ballot, you feel you have made a mistake, you have the right to exchange the spoiled ballot for a new ballot. Vote by mail voters may also request and receive a new ballot if they return their spoiled ballot to an elections official prior to the closing of the polls on election day.

You have the right to receive assistance in casting your ballot if you are unable to vote without assistance.

You have the right to return a completed vote by mail ballot to any precinct in the county.

You have the right to election materials in another language if there are sufficient residents in your precinct to warrant production.

You have the right to ask questions about election procedures and observe the election process. You have the right to ask questions of the precinct board and elections officials regarding election procedures and to receive an answer or be directed to the appropriate official for an answer. However, if persistent questioning disrupts the execution of their duties, the board or election officials may discontinue responding to questions.

You have the right to report any illegal or fraudulent activity to a local elections official or to the Secretary of State's Office.

Call the Lake County Registrar of Voters at 263-2372 if you have any questions about your status as a registered voter and your right to enfranchisement.

We are lucky here in Lake County to have an excellent, well-informed staff serving us.

Su voto es su voz. Your vote is your voice. Use it!

Becky Curry lives in Kelseyville.

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