Two Questions

[LaStrega]

First Question: I've heard much about the McCain absentee ballots, still I'm a bit in the dark. I received one yesterday. It was addressed to my home, but under my married name. I'm divorced now and legally changed my last name from my married name. Do I need to worry about my voter registration status? I did register under my current last name, and received a blue postcard stating I had successfully registered ... and I thought I'd saved said postcard but blast it all I cannot find it. Thom Hartmann had a guest on a few weeks ago who recommended a web site where one could check their voter status ... can't remember the guest's name nor the URL. Any help/suggestions/directions ginormously appreciated.

Second Question: This may sound stupid, but I have to ask. And frankly, in this election, I don't think there are any stupid (serious) questions. 'Nuff said. When I'm in the voter's booth, I go all doe-in-the-headlights when it comes to voting for (local) judges. I want to make my choices entirely informed this year ... on Every. Single. Vote. Can someone give me a heads-up on educating myself concerning voting for judges? I live in Scott County Minnesota (if that helps).

Again, any information will be greatly appreciated.

[Eric J in MN]

1. answers

1) If the McCain campaign sends you an absentee ballot request, and you throw it out, then you won't be affected.

2) If you Google the names of the judges you can probably find info about them and write down the names of the ones who seem better and bring that paper with you on Election Day.

[tblue]

2. Here's what I would do:

1) Every state has different rules, so I have no idea what's required in your case specifically. Contact your Registrar of Voters and ask them about your registration. If you have to, go there. If you at all feel your voting rights are in question, contact the local Democratic chair (check the website) and ask what they recommend.

2) For something like voting for judges, are you able to find out who might have endorsed these individuals? It's probably on their literature, website, or the voter guide provided by the Registrar. If so, take a look at their list of endorsements. That should give you some idea of who the candidates are, or at least what kind of people stand by them (Chamber of Commerce, Nurses Assn, Teachers Assn). You can go further and make some calls to those endorsers, but that's only if you're really motivated and think it's worth the time.

[Aloha Spirit]

3. ...you're in MN?

http://votesmart.org/mystate_summary.php?state_id=MN&go2.x=4&go2.y=15

also, try local blogs...
this website has a list of blogs, on the right side
http://minnpolitics.blogspot.com/

Even though I live in Massachusetts, I often read "http://bluehampshire.com" which is a NH Democrats blog. Very fun.
They have links for every state, including:
http://www.mncampaignreport.com/


As for that ballot, if it were me I would call the Secretary of State and complain :-)
http://www.sos.state.mn.us/home/index.asp?page=4

here's the phone/contact page
http://www.sos.state.mn.us/home/index.asp?page=42

[LaStrega]

4. Thanks to all of yous

I feel now that I have a bit of direction ... a starting point ... and I have time to get myself informed.

Many thanks for responding. Much appreciated.