Register to vote today -- it's easier than ever

◼ If you've already registered to vote, you may have received your sample ballot in the mail by now from the Humboldt County Office of Elections. On the back cover, you'll find an vote-by-mail application, which you can fill out and send back by 5 p.m. Oct. 30. - Times-Standard

And if you haven't registered to vote already, it's not too late: Your registration must be postmarked or submitted electronically no later than Oct. 22.

While folks from lands all over the world -- Syria, Pakistan, Pennsylvania -- are fighting over voting rights, it's never been easier to register to vote in California. The state's even set up a website this year -- ◼ http://registertovote.ca.gov/ -- where voters looking to register can get started.

While your application still has to be verified by county elections officials before you make it on to the voter rolls, online registration is just one more way to make sure your voice is heard in this election....