Politics

Push Is On As Voter Registration Deadline Looms

PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) ― Monday is the deadline for Pennsylvanians to register to vote in the Nov. 4 election.

Volunteers took to the streets this weekend around Pittsburgh and across the state in a last minute push to get potential voters signed up for the presidential election.

Their argument is if you want to make a difference you have to vote.

"I just tell people if you want to matter, you're an American citizen. Exercise your right," said actor Mehcad Brooks. "I just tell people if you want to matter, you're an American citizen. Exercise your right."

Brooks is probably best known for his role in the television show "Desperate Housewives," but he says he's taking this year off to do politics.

First, he's getting folks registered then he urges them to get out to the polls because he wants to make a difference.

"If you want something you have to go for it," said Brooks. "If you sit at home playing Wii and X-Box you can't complain."

To be eligible to register, a person must have lived in the United States for at least one month before the election.

They also must have lived in the voting district where they plan to vote for at least 30 days.

They also must turn 18 by Election Day.

Convicted felons who are incarcerated on Election Day are not eligible to vote, but those who have been released from prison are eligible.

Prospective voters can register at county registration offices, PennDOT photo-license centers and certain other state government offices.

They also can download registration applications from the Internet or obtain them from government offices or other sources.

Forms must be postmarked by Monday.

(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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