You can still take your first step for democracy in Onondaga County by registering to vote in the general election on Nov. 3.

Here’s why some central New Yorkers say that’s important:

Jim Lynch, 41, of Dewitt, teacher, votes because it counts. “We need a government that can lead with credibility as well as integrity,” he said. “And the ability to vote is one of our most cherished constitutional rights.”

MaryAnn Arnold, 64, a registered nurse at Crouse Hospital, invokes the spirit of Abraham Lincoln when she casts her ballot. “I believe it’s our duty to affirm Lincoln's promise that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth,” she said.

Now it’s your turn.

First, to vote in the New York State, you must:

•Be a U. S. citizen
•Be 18 years old by the date of the general election. That’s Nov. 3 this year.
•Live at your present address at least 30 days before the election
•Not be in jail or on parole for a felony conviction
•Not claim the right to vote elsewhere

Second, to register, you can either mail in the registration form or register in person at the Onondaga County Board of Elections office in downtown Syracuse.  

Getting the form is easy: You can call the Board of Election to request a voter application. Or you can download  the registration form online from the board’s Web site. Click to get the voter registration form in English or to get the form in Spanish. Print the form, fill it out, sign it and date it. Then mail it to:

Onondaga County Board of Election
John H. Mulroy Civic Center-15th Floor
421 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, New York 13202

Some reminders:

•Applications must be postmarked no later than Oct. 9.
•You may register in person at the Board of Elections until Oct. 23 if you have been honorably discharged from the military or have become a naturalized citizen or a registered voter who has moved within the county after Oct. 9.
•Faxed and e-mailed forms will not be accepted.

Is it hard to fill out those forms?

“It’s quick and easy,” said Ken Rathbun, 50, of Syracuse, truck driver. “It only takes me a few minutes to complete.”

Visit the Web site of Onondaga County Board of Elections or call (315) 435-8683 for more information.

(Lynette Chen is a graduate student in magazine-newspaper-online journalism.)

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