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Friday, February 15, 2008

Have a say on Clinton vs. Obama

There are only three big states left in the presidential primary season: Texas and Ohio on March 4 and Pennsylvania on April 22.

With 188 delegates at stake, Pennsylvania could end up picking the next Democratic Party nominee for president.

With John McCain having vanquished all his rivals except Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul, both of whom are too far back in the delegate count to challenge McCain's nomination, all eyes will be on the Democratic primary.

Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton are in a virtual tie for delegates, although Obama is on a winning streak, having defeated Clinton in 10 consecutive primaries/caucuses. Obama has won 20 states since Feb. 5 to Clinton's 8.

If you want a chance to vote for either Obama or Clinton on April 22, you have to be a registered Democrat. No Republicans, no third-parties and no independent voters can participate in the Obama-Clinton showdown.

The last day to register for Pennsylvania's April 22 primary election is Monday, March 24.

That is also the deadline for changing your party affiliation in order to vote in either the Democratic or Republican primary. Pennsylvania does not allow independent or third-party voters to participate in primary elections.

You can change your party registration at any time, but you must submit the form at least 30 days prior to an election. You can change back to your original party or register as an independent after the primary.

You can download a voter registration form, which can also be used to change your party affeliation, at the Pennsylvania Department of State Web site, http://www.votespa.com/ or pick one up at your county elections office, most municipal buildings, some libraries and some post offices.

If you don't have a computer, you can call the state elections bureau at 1-800-552-8683.

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