More than any place one can think of, Garden City is a community of long established traditions. Prominent among these is consistently ranking among the state's leaders in voter registration and turnout.

Our citizens prefer to be participants, not observers, of the forces changing our world. They demand responsible governmental policies and responsive government officials. And year after year, they have overwhelmingly identified the Republican Party as most faithfully representing their principles of sound government.

One reason for this is another of our village's traditions - producing outstanding Republican elected officials at every level of government. The Garden City Republican honor roll is long - the late congressman Jack Wydler; former Senator and US Attorney General for Civil Rights John Dunne; Senator Kemp Hannon, chair of the Senate Health Committee; Senator Mike Balboni; Town Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin; former Town Supervisor Jim Bennett; former Town Councilmen Joe Kearney and Tony Imbarratto; and many judges who call Garden City home, including County Court Judge Daniel Palmieri, running again this year.

If you haven't had the chance yet to register, may have recently moved, have allowed your registration to lapse or need to register by absentee, there is still time.

Voter Registration: Applications are available at the Board of Elections lobby, Garden City Post Office and the offices of Senator Kemp Hannon and Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell, located at 224 Seventh Street. The application must either be hand delivered to the Board of Elections, County Seat Drive, or be postmarked no later than Oct. 14, and received by Oct. 19; in person for honorably discharged military or naturalized citizens after the 25th day before the election between Oct. 14-28.

Voting Absentee: Applications are available as above. Last day to postmark application or letter of application for a ballot is Nov. 1. Last day to apply in person or postmark ballot at the Board of Elections is Nov. 7. All mailed ballots must be received by Nov. 15 at the Board of Elections. Last day to deliver ballot in person to the board is Nov. 8. For military voters, the last day for the board to get the application - if not previously registered - is Oct. 28. If previously registered - Nov. 1. Last day to apply personally if previously registered is Nov. 7.

Register now and you'll be able to join your Garden City neighbors in electing our local favorites, Donald Clavin running for county comptroller, Daniel Palmieri for county court judge, and Maureen O'Connell running for county clerk in this November's election. Once again, help Garden City continue to elect an outstanding honor roll of Republican candidates on Election Day, Nov. 8.

Jackie Vita

Republican Committee Secretary