One of my favorite sets of childhood memories is riding down to the neighborhood fire station with my mom to vote.  Several of my family members were poll workers, so it was always a friendly experience that I looked forward to.  The best part of the going to the poll was fake voting. 🙂  There were child-size voting machines there, so I got to click down the old school pegs and “cast” my vote as well.  I’m sure this is one reason I’m civically engaged as an adult.

On Saturday, July 10, 2010, from 8:30 am to 5 pm, Fulton County is hosting its first Family Voting Day.  Serving a dual purpose, this event will allow yet another opportunity to cast ballots for the primary election early, and it encourages families to vote together (and expose kids to the duty of being heard through voting).

It’s important to vote–but it’s imperative to be an educated voter.  If you’re a Fulton County resident, below are some links to help you prepare for the Tuesday, July 20 primary.  If you’re not a Fulton County resident, please visit your state’s Secretary of State website and your county government website to find information on registering to vote (deadlines and rules), poll locations, and candidates.  Be engaged in your community.

• It’s too late to register to vote in the upcoming primary, but here is the link to future registration deadlines and election dates.  You can still register to vote in future elections.

• Here’s a great guide to voting regulations in GA.

• Need to check your voter registration status or find out where your poll is?  Click here.

• Are you not able to vote on the 20th or attend Family Voting Day?  Here are the locations for early voting.

• Don’t know what we’re voting for in this election?  Here are sample ballots: Democratic and Republican.

• Interested in upcoming debates? Go here. (Also, stay tuned for more information on the gubernatorial debate hosted Tau Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.)

• Finally, for more information about the candidates, visit this site.

Get involved.  Remember that local politics are just as, if not more, important as national politics.  Don’t just complain–identify your issues and make your voice heard.  Voting is your bare minimum civic responsibility.  Do your part.