Through AlterNet Books' website, I purchased a book they have just published. It's written by Steven Rosenfeld, co-author of "What Happened in Ohio: Record of Theft and Fraud in the 2004 Election." This new book is titled "Count My Vote: A Citizen's Guide to Voting." For those who are old hands at voting, there is useful information concerning each state's voting laws, with pending legislation which may apply after 2008. Each state's page includes internet addresses for where the information was found. 1) The first chapter deals with the basics of finding the correct precinct. It is the duty of the voter to register. Gives advice of when and how to apply for a voter card. Many states require a lead time before an election. Best to get card early and then check list before the day to vote. (State pages come in handy for application forms and deadline dates.) 2) Students who live in one state and vote from college in a different one have special decisions to make. A whole chapter is devoted to them and to other first-time voters. Absentee voting is involved. 3) Absentee voting and early voting takes a chapter. Here questions involving such voters as overseas residents, the military, veterans in VA hospitals, shutins, etc, have more rules spelled out. 4) Chapter 4 is dedicated to the capturing and recording of votes. It involves the kind of machines, instructions on their use. and how tallies are usually made. The official tally is not made on election night. 5) The last chapter touches on activities broader than the actual casting of a ballot. Getting involved can include recruiting others to register, and organizing in neighborhoods. I found the book a handy reference tool. First, to make sure that I look up changes in my state's rules. Also it reminds me that going to the polls to choose a candidate is somewhat like going to the chapel to say "I do." Each involves first steps. After that, comes the notion of long-term commitment. For those new to voting, I hope this is information which you can use either as a person wanting to register or for those in the process of trying to organize others to vote. And for those who make voting a part of advanced study, it would please me greatly if you would comment on how I helped (or didn't) in covering a subject we discuss often on OEN.