By Betty Williams, Sacramento NAACP Branch President

As President of the Sacramento NAACP Branch, I am encouraging everyone in the community to vote. Its important that we "Value our Vote and Vote our Values," which is the cry from the National Association of the Advancement of Color
People, nationwide.

We fought to hard and to long for the right to vote to give it away, by not voting. The Voting Rights Act has worked. African American registration and turnout rates have risen dramatically since 1965, when there were only five black representatives in Congress. Today there are 43 members o f the Congressional Black Caucus. Do NOT accept the seed that is being planted now; which is that
the race has been won by one party already.

Let us celebrate by not just going to the polls to vote, but take five people with you to vote. Let's celebrate the ways in which the sacrifices of many brave Americans forced our nation to live up to its promises of democracy and equality. Without question, America is a better place today than it was in 1965 because of the Voting Rights Act. But discrimination against minority voters still exists.

However, knowledge is the power that helps with the fight of discrimination.

1. Remember that October 23rd is the last day to register to vote for this election.
2. Remember that October 31st is the last day to mail a request for an absentee ballot.
3. Remember that November 7th is the day to cast your vote!
4. Remember that Homeless People CAN vote; with a general distribution mailing add ress. Remember in the state of
5. California a Felon can vote, as long as they have completed their prison sentence and served all of their parole.
6. Remember People in Jail can vote, if they have not yet been convicted of a crime.

I pray that everyone who can vote, please take the opportunity to vote on November 7, 2006. History has proven that our vote truly counts and enhances our power!

God Bless,
Betty Williams,