Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/85441
2012 VOTER GUIDE | PULL OUT AND VOTE 2012 VOTER GUIDE Polls don't win elections. Votes do. * Your ballot will look different this year — think 7's. * Learn. * Once you've voted, share this Voter Guide with family and friends. * Above all — VOTE! YOUR BALLOT WILL LOOK DIFFERENT THIS YEAR. Why? This is the first year for open primaries – your ballot will LOOK DIFFERENT. Your incumbent may not be listed because of redistricting. You may see two Democrats or two Republicans running for the same seat. Recall that Prop. 40 upheld the redistricting process and the State Supreme Court referred the Redistricting Commission's plan to a referendum – that is Prop. 40. In all honesty, we were nervous about the redistricting process, but the Citizens Redistricting Commission did a good job. New this year is your ability to register to vote online. We all have until Oct. 22 to register at registertovote.ca.gov. The process is pretty easy. Have your driver's license number ready. VOTER CHECKLIST – THINK 7'S Mail-In Voters: Mail your ballot within 7 days of receiving it OR a MINIMUM of 7 working days PRIOR to the election. Why? Budget cuts have slowed mail delivery in many places, and you want your vote to count! If you don't cast your ballot via the mail within those 7 days, WALK your ballot in to any polling place or county election office. For details, contact your county election office or visit cta.org/elections. LEARN All the state Voter Information Guides are to be mailed by Oct. 16, so read yours carefully. Use this Voter Guide and the Information Guide to make good choices that will support California public schools, enhance teaching and learning, and protect the middle class. Know that your colleagues consider and recommend to you the candidates and issue positions listed on the next two pages. CTA's recommendation process is outlined on the last page of this Voter Guide. SHARE Vote in advance and make your vote count! Once you've reviewed this Voter Guide, leave it at your doctor's office, share it with neighbors or use it as a discussion guide. VOTER CHECKLIST BY DATE Oct. 8-30 Apply to VOTE BY MAIL at your county election office. Oct. 22 LAST DAY to register to vote for the November General Election. (The Voter Registration Form may be submitted online, by mail or in person to the Department of Motor Vehicles or any National Voter Registration Act designated agency.) Oct. 30 Last Day for new residents to register to vote. Nov. 6 GENERAL ELECTION DAY Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. October 2012 www.cta.org 23 VOTE 2012