As the 2008 presidential campaigns continue to heat up, it is clear that our community will play an incredibly important role.

Voting is one of the most important, effective ways we have to make a difference – a difference not only on issues of our own equality, but on the universal concerns we share with all Americans, including the war, health care, the economy, employment, education and foreign relations. It’s one key way to be vocal and powerful, all in private.

Our right to vote gives us an opportunity to create different possibilities. In recent months, we’ve seen some landmark gains for GLBT equality, but we’re also experiencing challenging and difficult setbacks, like the ENDA debate or Governor Schwarzenegger’s second veto of a bill that would allow us the freedom to marry. Those of us who are eligible voters must view the 2008 elections as an opportunity, but also as an obligation, and one of our most important civic duties.

As we have in past election cycles, The Center will again invest significant time, energy and resources to make sure our community has access to information on voting in the 2008 elections. We will continue to offer educational opportunities and community forums, as well as providing relevant voter information to make sure San Diego’s GLBT community will “deliver the vote” in 2008.

We cannot afford to be passive in this process. We all have a role to play, and we must take the appropriate steps to ensure that our voices are heard in 2008. That can start by simply making certain that we are all registered to vote.

If you are not yet registered, or have moved since the last election, you must register with the San Diego County Registrar of Voters. There are three options to register – online at www.sdvote.com, by picking up a postcard registration form at the Registrar’s office (5201 Ruffin Road, Ste. I, San Diego, CA 92123), at any city clerk’s office in San Diego County, at the Department of Motor Vehicles, U.S. post offices and public libraries. Or, you can call the Registrar’s office at 858-565-5800 and request a registration postcard. The deadline for registering for the February presidential primary is January 22.

If you are registered, but would like to receive a vote-by-mail ballot, you can do so at www.sdvote.com or by calling 858-565-5800. Voting by mail gives you the opportunity to take your time (two weeks) to complete your ballot and ensure that unforeseen circumstances such as work, illness or travel don’t keep you from casting your vote.