The election is Nov. 7 and the deadline to register as a voter is near.

If you are a United States citizen, a resident of California, not in prison or on parole for conviction of a felony, and will be at least 18 years of age on Election Day, you can register.

Although it's too late to register online, you can still call or visit your county elections office or call the secretary of state's toll-free voter hotline number at (800) 345VOTE to receive application information.

Mail-in forms are available at county buildings, city halls, libraries, fire stations, post offices and motor vehicle offices.

Your completed registration form must be received by Monday, Oct. 23, 15 days before the election.

Your county sample ballot provides the location of polling places and who your local and state legislative candidates are. Absentee voter applications

must be received by the county elections office by Oct. 31, and in order to be counted, your ballot must be received by the elections office no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.

On Election Day, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

More voter information is available online at www.voterguide.ss.ca.gov.

Another good online source for information is www.smartvoter.org.