Opinion

The conventions are over. Key leaders and everyday people have spoken at the conventions. Delegates have selected their party’s candidate. Both former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and U.S. President Barack Obama have accepted their party’s nomination for the presidency. They will soon debate the issues.

What are YOU going to do? This is your finest hour, along with every American. 

A few questions: 1) Are you registered to vote for the General Election in November? 2) How have you prepared to vote? 3) If you plan to vote on election day, where is your polling place?

Some of you have HOMEWORK to do over the next few weeks, as deadlines are fast approaching to qualify to vote in the General Election which is Tuesday, November 6.

For instance, the deadline for new registrations is October 9.

You can contact your county’s Supervisor of Elections Office to find out whether you are qualified to vote and if not, how you can qualify to vote. Basically, in Florida, if you are a U.S. citizen, 18 years old by election day and not have been convicted of a felony in Florida, or any other state, without your civil rights having been restore – you qualify to register and vote.

We can not like the speeches at the conventions and then not vote or not be prepared to vote. Don’t depend on a provisional ballot on election day. Heaven forbid, you were at the wrong polling place and therefore, your “provisional ballot” vote is not valid and not counted.

Do your homework now to guarantee your vote is counted, your voice heard. 

Let’s not have any excuses come November.

© Orlando Community News, 2012