Take a Stand

by Jonas Raab

The 2004 presidential election is nearly upon us and voter-registration efforts in Philadelphia have been tremendous. Outside almost every store and on just about every busy Center City corner are people with clipboards asking, "Are you registered to vote?" Their efforts could very well pay off with a large turnout come November but in case you're still on the outside of the booth looking in, all's not lost. Here's a last-minute registration primer:

Monday is the last day for voter registration in Pennsylvania and there are several different ways to register. (If you're a U.S. citizen and a legal resident of the commonwealth who will be at least 18 years old by Election Day and will not be incarcerated for a felony on Nov. 2, you can vote.)

The easiest way, of course, is to flag down one of the many people with clipboards. They will be more than happy to lend a hand. According to the Office of the City Commissioners, you can also register at the voter registration office located at Riverview Place, fifth floor, at the southwest corner of Delaware Avenue and Spring Garden Street. Office hours are Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Fear not, chronic procrastinators: The office will be open until midnight on deadline day.)

You can also register when you have your photo taken after obtaining or renewing a driver's license, in a state welfare office, state vocational rehabilitation office, armed service recruitment center or marriage-license bureau. You can also register at City Hall, Room 142.

At this point, it's too late to register by mail unless you intend to overnight your form. (The postmark means nothing; they need the form by the deadline.) If you plan on doing this, you can obtain an application at any U.S. Post Office, Philadelphia Free Library branch or state liquor store.

If you were registered to vote at your current address and have voted in any election since Jan. 1, 1997, you're still eligible to vote. Anybody can verify their registration status by calling 215-686-1500.

For those voting for the first time in a given district, remember to bring a passport, driver's license, or a voter, student, government or employee identification card.