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Election notebook

Batch Data Processor | Friday, Mar 31 2006 8:35 PM

Last Updated: Friday, Mar 31 2006 8:39 PM

Registration snags

Note: If you're registering to vote, make sure you do it right -- or you won't be casting a ballot in June.

New federal rules are kinking up more than a quarter of applications statewide.

In Kern County, about 22.5 percent of applications since Jan. 1 have been returned by the state, said elections chief Sandy Brockman. Of those 900 applicants, elections staffers were able to manually qualify about 300, she said.

The office has sent letters to the other 600, but only four people have responded so far.

Two common problems involve names and driver's license numbers, Brockman said.

Under the new system, applicants must provide a driver's license number (or Social Security or state identification number).

But many people aren't filling in those spaces on the application, Brockman said.

The state is also kicking back forms when names don't match exactly -- something that seems to be particularly impacting Hispanic residents, she said.

For example, if a "Manuel Garcia" is listed on some other paperwork as "Manuel Garcia Hernandez," the application won't fly.

Brockman advised applicants to make sure they use the same name on all official paperwork.

Here are tips she gave to make sure your name will appear on the rolls when you go to vote:

* The last day to register for the June 6 primary is May 22.

* When filling out your application, be sure to include the required driver's license number.

* Make sure your name exactly matches other official documents, since the new system created a state-maintained central database.

* If your application was processed successfully, you'll receive a buff-colored card in the mail.

* If you get a letter from the county elections office asking for additional information, be sure to follow up if you want to vote.

* If you want to make sure you made it onto Kern's voter rolls, you can call the county elections division at 868-3590 or (800) 452-8683.