So Little Time

Five million Californians who otherwise would be eligible to vote in the Nov. 4 general election will be turned away from polling places unless they register by the close of business on Monday. Many who have voted in California in the past may not realize that they may need to renew their registrations, but they must do so if they have moved to new residences or changed their names.

Another large group consists of those who have turned 18 since the last election, or will celebrate their 18th birthday by or on Election Day.

Given the shortness of time, the surest way to register now is to go to the county registrar of voters office and fill out a registration form on the spot. The Los Angeles County registrar’s office is at 5557 Ferguson Dr., City of Commerce. But registration cards also are available at a number of places--including post offices, libraries and Seven-Eleven stores. If mailed promptly, these new registrations will be recorded in time.

Anyone who voted in the last general election in November, 1984, and who has not moved or changed names since then, remains fully eligible to vote, the secretary of state’s office says.

At last count, about 12.5 million Californians were registered for this year’s election.