Secretary of State Kemp Announces Start of General Election Early Voting Period in all Georgia Counties

Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp announced today (September 17) that early voting for the November 2 General Election begins Monday, September 20 and ends on Friday, October 29 in all Georgia counties. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is Friday, October 29; mail-in ballots must be received by the voter’s county elections office by the close of polls on Election Day.

Secretary Kemp reminded voters to utilize the Secretary of State’s My Voter Page (MVP) voter education website before participating in the General Election. The MVP website allows voters to view their sample ballot, find the early voting locations in their county and their Election Day polling location, check their registration status, track the status of their absentee ballot, and more. The MVP website can be accessed at: http://www.sos.ga.gov/mvp.

“The MVP e-government solution provides an invaluable educational resource for voters,” said Secretary Kemp. “We want to put as much information in the hands of the voter as we can, in an easy-to-use format. The goal is for every voter in the State of Georgia to have the information he or she needs to be able to make the voting process work for them.”

Secretary Kemp also encouraged Georgians to assist his agency with preventing election fraud. The Stop Voter Fraud website allows Georgians to report questionable election activity online or via the Stop Voter Fraud hotline. Citizens who witness questionable election-related activity can submit a Stop Voter Fraud form at: www.sos.ga.gov/StopVoterFraud or call the Secretary of State’s Voter Fraud Hotline at 877-725-9797.

Voters who cast their ballot in-person or on Election Day will be required to show one of the following forms of photo ID:

A Georgia driver’s license, even if expired;
Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free Voter ID Card issued by your county registrar or Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS);
Valid U.S. passport;
Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state;
Valid U.S. military photo ID; or
Valid tribal photo ID.
If a voter does not have one of these forms of photo identification, they can obtain a free voter ID card at their county registrar’s office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Photo identification is not required when voting by mail.

For additional information about Georgia’s photo ID requirement please visit www.GAPhotoID.com.

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 2.

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Just Say No to Cap and Trade Before It's too Late

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Fan Vote to Determine Player Super Bowl Ad

GFP Note: Voting is now open until December 3rd.

Thirteen Atlanta Falcons told their stories. Now, fans can help turn one of them into the NFL’s Super Bowl commercial at NFL.com/SuperAd.

Babineaux and Turner are featured in a head-to-head competition against their rivals from the NFC South in the NFL’s “Super Ad: Believe In Now” promotion.

NFL Films traveled to NFL training camps and team facilities to capture the players’ stories. Now fans will have the opportunity to hear these unique tales and get an exclusive look at some of their favorite NFL players, such as:

-Babineaux, who talks about playing football with his brother as kids in their living room.

-Turner, who relives gaining more than 200 yards in his first game as a starter.

Fans can visit the Falcons section to also see: Erik Coleman, Thomas DeCoud, Jamaal Fudge, Brent Grimes, David Irons, Grady Jackson, Michael Koenen, Jerious Norwood, Chris Redman, Matt Ryan and Roddy White.

Fans will vote on the 24 stories from NFC players on nfl.com/superad from November 20 – December 3. Four NFC stories, one from each division, will be selected to continue to the Championship Round where they will compete against four videos from the AFC as well as one wildcard video. The Championship Round runs from December 18, 2008 – January 4, 2009. Fans will have eighteen days to vote for their favorites with a Super Bowl appearance on the line.

Fans can visit the “All Videos” section to watch all 215 NFL players’ stories posted on nfl.com/superad. Fans will then watch the winning pitch, and the player who told it, during Super Bowl XLIII on Sunday, February 1 on NBC.

By AtlantaFalcons.com

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Amendment Vote Linked to Georgia Environment

Georgia voters will make an important decision regarding forest land and the environment on Tuesday, November 4. Georgians will cast ballots on Amendment #1, the “Georgia Forest Land Protection Act of 2008,” which asks voters whether the state Constitution should be amended to allow timberland taxation on the basis of its actual value as a forest, rather than its potential or speculative future use.

“As land values have increased, property taxes have risen to the point where many landowners are forced to decide whether it makes economic sense to keep their land in forests or sell it for development,” explained Lauren Bush, Public Affairs Staff Forester with the Georgia Forestry Commission. “Amendment #1 encourages landowners to keep their land in forests rather than sell it to developers.”

Georgia boasts approximately 24 million acres of forest land, 92% of which is privately owned. The forest industry contributes $28.5 billion to our state’s economy, and provides invaluable nature services to Georgia, including clean water, clean air, wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities. The Georgia Forestry Commission provides leadership, service, and education in the protection and conservation of the state’s forest resources.

“Forest management is a long-term commitment for landowners,” said Bush. “They may not receive a return on their investment for 20 or more years, but their property taxes are due every year. Amendment #1 can help encourage property owners to keep their land in forests, which enhance the life of every Georgian.”

To receive the forest value assessment, Amendment #1 requires forest land owners to leave their land in tree production for at least 15 years. If a county’s total tax digest of revenue is reduced by more than three percent, the money will be reimbursed by the State of Georgia. If it is affected by three percent or less, the county will be reimbursed 50%.

If ratified by Georgia voters on the November 4 General Election ballot, the Forest Land Protection Act will go into effect on January 1, 2009.

For more information, visit GaTrees.org, www.forourforests.com or www.keepgeorgiagreen.org.

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Georgia Secretary of State Applauds Decision Denying Photo ID Injunction

Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel today applauded the decision by Fulton Superior Court Judge Tom Campbell to deny an attempt to block the implementation of the photo ID requirement in the November 4 General Election.

“I applaud Judge Campbell’s decision to uphold Georgia’s commonsense photo ID requirement which safeguards our elections against voter fraud,” said Secretary Handel.

Georgia’s photo ID law has been in place for 14 elections without incident. The Democratic Party of Georgia filed the lawsuit, the organization’s second attempt to block the use photo ID. To date, opponents of Georgia’s photo ID law have failed to produce one voter who has been unable to cast a ballot due to the requirement.

Judge Campbell’s decision comes a day after the Secretary of State’s Office was sued by MALDEF, ACLU and other organizations for conducting a legally mandated verification check on new voter registration applicants. Judge Camp declined to immediately grant injunctive relief and is expected to rule next week.

Voters will be required to show one of the following six forms of photo ID when voting in-person in the General Election:

· A Georgia driver’s license, even if expired;
· Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free Voter ID Card issued by your county registrar or Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS);
· Valid U.S. passport;
· Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state;
· Valid U.S. military photo ID; or
· Valid tribal photo ID.

Karen Handel was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2007. The Secretary of State's office offers important services to our citizens and our business community. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.
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Bow Wow Will Walk Across America to Help Get Out the Vote

PRNewswire/ -- Superstar recording artist and actor Bow Wow will show his support for our nation's upcoming elections with a voter registration initiative, Walk Across America. Commencing in Atlanta, GA on October 1st, Walk Across America will take Bow Wow and other citizens who are excited about the 2008 elections to cities across the United States in an effort to encourage people, especially the youth, to participate in the contests happening this November and the political process overall.

Walk Across America will travel by foot and bus through several cities including Philadelphia, PA, Washington, D.C. and New York City (full schedule below) making stops at various locations including colleges, universities and radio stations. Bow Wow is working with Declare Yourself and Black Youth Vote, two non-partisan organizations that will be assisting with the registration efforts at each stop and helping to reinforce the importance of youth voter participation. Students and elected officials from both major parties will also be invited to take part in the efforts in each city.

Although he is only 21, Bow Wow, who is launching his Follow The Leader foundation this year, felt that it was important for him to become personally involved in this historical election and to help motivate other young people to become engaged in the process. "It's important for the youth to participate because we're tomorrow's leaders. We need to make sure that our voices are heard and have a say in the decisions that will affect our lives and our country for years to come," he says.

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Secretary Handel Announces In-Person Early Voting For the General Election Beginning September 22

Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel announced September 18 that Georgia voters can cast ballots in-person for the General Election beginning Monday, September 22, 2008. Voters will be able to vote at their county registrar’s office without providing a reason.

Secretary Handel worked with the Georgia General Assembly to change the law to allow voters to cast ballots 45 days prior to an election, either by mail or in person without providing a reason.

“Georgia will experience large voter turnout in the November General Election,” Secretary Handel said. “This change in the law gives voters more options to cast their ballot and will ease wait times on Election Day.”

Voters can request a mail-in ballot or vote early in-person through Friday, October 31, 2008. All mail-in ballots must be received no later than 7:00 p.m. by the county registrar on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Photo identification is not required when voting by mail. To download a mail-in ballot request form, please visit http://www.sos.georgia.gov/ElectionCenter.

To find early voting locations and operating hours in your county, please contact your county registrar’s office. Contact information can be found on the Election Center website: http://www.sos.georgia.gov/ElectionCenter.

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Voters can find voter registration information, including polling locations and legislative districts, by visiting http://www.sos.georgia.gov/ElectionCenter.

Voters casting ballots in-person during early voting or on Election Day will be required to show one of the following six forms of photo ID:

* A Georgia driver’s license, even if expired;
* Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free Voter ID Card issued by your county registrar or Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS);
* Valid U.S. passport;
* Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state;
* Valid U.S. military photo ID; or
* Valid tribal photo ID.

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Valdosta is TitleTown USA

GFP Note: Kudos to Valdosta and to Valdosta State!

Ballots were cast, votes are in and ESPN announced to the nation that Valdosta is TitleTown USA during the July 28 "SportsCenter" broadcast.

Local officials received word on Saturday that ESPN reporter Wendi Nix and production crew would return to Winnersville to film a segment for the broadcast. Jessie Tuggle, VSU alumnus and former linebacker with the Atlanta Falcons, accepted the TitleTown USA trophy on behalf of the entire community. Lt. Governor Casey Cagle was on site to congratulate the city and a crowd of many fans, all dressed in the colors supporting their favorite schools, cheered as ESPN presented the honor.

The award comes after the July 16 "SportsCenter" broadcast, which featured Winnersville as a finalist and showcased thousands of local sports fans displaying the unity and spirit that won the title. Local legend Randall Godfrey made his case for why Valdosta could stand proudly as a finalist beside major cities like Chicago, Detroit and San Francisco, as well as why the southern powerhouse deserved the title. After the nation witnessed Valdosta's attributes and spirit, votes were cast, setting Valdosta above the rest.

Delta Air Lines’ Board of Directors Announces Date of Special Meeting for Stockholder Vote on Merger with Northwest Airlines

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) will hold a special meeting of stockholders on Sept. 25, 2008 in Atlanta for stockholders to vote on the issuance of Delta common stock to Northwest stockholders in the merger of the airlines and on an amendment to the Delta 2007 Performance Compensation Plan, a broad-based employee compensation program. The meeting will be held at 2 p.m. EDT at the Georgia International Convention Center located at 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, Ga. 30337.

The record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting will be the close of business on July 29, 2008.

Delta in April announced that it is combining with Northwest in an all-stock transaction to create America’s premier global airline. The new company will be called Delta and will be headquartered in Atlanta. Combined, the company and its regional partners will provide customers access to more than 390 destinations in 67 countries. Together, Delta and Northwest will have more than $35 billion in aggregate annual revenues, operate a mainline fleet of nearly 800 aircraft, employ approximately 75,000 people worldwide, and have one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry. The merger is subject to the approval of Delta and Northwest stockholders and regulatory approvals, which are targeted for completion later this year.

Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 327 destinations in 62 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 44 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers 609 weekly flights to 62 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 16,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 499 worldwide destinations in 105 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at delta.com.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expect,’ “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, Delta's and Northwest’s expectations with respect to the synergies, costs and charges, capitalization and anticipated financial impacts of the merger transaction and related transactions; approval of the merger transaction and related transactions by stockholders; the satisfaction of the closing conditions to the merger transaction and related transactions; and the timing of the completion of the merger transaction and related transactions.

These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside our control and difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, the possibility that the expected synergies will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period, due to, among other things, (1) the airline pricing environment; (2) competitive actions taken by other airlines; (3) general economic conditions; (4) changes in jet fuel prices; (5) actions taken or conditions imposed by the United States and foreign governments; (6) the willingness of customers to travel; (7) difficulties in integrating the operations of the two airlines; (8) the impact of labor relations; and (9) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Other factors include the possibility that the merger does not close, including due to the failure to receive required stockholder or regulatory approvals, or the failure of other closing conditions.

Delta cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors is contained in Delta’s and Northwest’s most recently filed Forms 10-K. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning Delta, Northwest, the merger, the related transactions or other matters and attributable to Delta or Northwest or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Delta and Northwest do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, relating to the matters discussed in this news release.

Additional Information About the Merger and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed merger, Delta filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that includes a preliminary joint proxy statement of Delta and Northwest that also constitutes a prospectus of Delta. At the appropriate time, Delta and Northwest will mail the final joint proxy statement/prospectus to their stockholders. Delta and Northwest urge investors and security holders to read the final joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed merger when it becomes available because it will contain important information. You may obtain copies of all documents filed with the SEC regarding this transaction, free of charge, at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov/). You may also obtain these documents, free of charge, from Delta’s website (http://www.delta.com/) under the tab “About Delta” and then under the heading “Investor Relations” and then under the item “SEC Filings.” You may also obtain these documents, free of charge, from Northwest’s website (http://www.nwa.com/) under the tab “About Northwest” and then under the heading “Investor Relations” and then under the item “SEC Filings and Section 16 Filings.”

Delta, Northwest and their respective directors, executive officers and certain other members of management and employees may be soliciting proxies from Delta and Northwest stockholders in favor of the merger. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of Delta and Northwest stockholders in connection with the proposed merger will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus when it is filed with the SEC. You can find information about Delta’s executive officers and directors in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 25, 2008 related to Delta’s 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. You can find information about Northwest’s executive officers and directors in its Amendment to its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 29, 2008. You can obtain free copies of these documents from Delta and Northwest using the contact information above.

Secretary of State Handel Applauds Denial of Georgia Democratic Party’s Motion to Block Use of Photo ID

Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel issued the following statement today regarding Fulton County Superior Court Judge Tom Campbell’s denial of the Georgia Democratic Party’s motion for a Temporary Restraining Order to block the use of photo identification in the July 15, 2008 General Primary:

“I applaud Judge Campbell’s ruling to deny the Democratic Party’s frivolous motion to block the use of photo ID in the General Primary Election. Photo ID has been implemented without incident in eight elections, including the Presidential Preference Primary that featured record voter turnout.

“In the past year, the Georgia Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court in Rome and the U.S. Supreme Court have all rejected attacks on the constitutionality of the photo ID requirement. Opponents of photo ID have failed to produce even one voter who has been harmed by the requirement, despite years of scouring the state in search of such an individual.

“I remind voters that Georgia’s photo ID law remains in place. As required by the law, Georgia voters casting their ballots in-person on Election Day must bring one of the required six forms of photo ID to the polls on July 15.”

Secretary of State Handel Reminds Voters to Bring Photo ID When Voting in the General Primary Election

Secretary of State Karen Handel today reminded voters to bring photo identification when participating in the July 15, 2008 statewide General Primary Election.

Voters will be required to show one of the following six forms of photo ID when voting in-person on Election Day:

A Georgia driver’s license, even if expired;
Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free Voter ID Card issued by your county registrar or Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS);
Valid U.S. passport;
Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state;
Valid U.S. military photo ID; or
Valid tribal photo ID.

If a voter does not have one of these forms of photo identification, they can obtain a free voter ID card at their county registrars’ office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Anyone with additional questions about Georgia’s photo ID requirement can visit www.GAPhotoID.com or call toll free (877) 725-9797.

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2008. Voters can find voter registration information, including polling locations and legislative districts, by visiting http://sos.georgia.gov/cgi-bin/locator.asp.

Voters can request an absentee ballot from their county registrar’s office through Friday, July 11, 2008. All absentee ballots must be received by the county registrar by Election Day, Tuesday, July 15, 2008. Photo identification is not required when voting by mail.

Secretary of State Karen Handel Reminds Voters about the Conclusion of Advance Voting and Absentee Balloting for the General Primary Election

Secretary of State Karen Handel reminded voters today about the conclusion of advance voting and absentee balloting for the Tuesday, July 15, 2008 statewide General Primary Election.

Voters will have the opportunity to advance vote in-person through the close of business on Friday, July 11, 2008. Voters will be required to show photo identification prior to in-person advance voting.

Voters can request an absentee ballot through the close of business on Friday, July 11, 2008. Absentee ballots must be returned to the county registrar by Election Day, July 15, 2008. Photo identification is not required when voting by mail.

Voters will be required to show one of the following six forms of photo ID when voting in-person during advance voting or on Election Day:

A Georgia driver’s license, even if expired;
Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free Voter ID Card issued by your county registrar or Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS);
Valid U.S. passport;
Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state;
Valid U.S. military photo ID; or
Valid tribal photo ID.

If a voter does not have one of these forms of photo identification, they can obtain a free voter ID card at their county registrar’s office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Anyone with additional questions about Georgia’s photo ID requirement can visit www.GAPhotoID.com or call toll free (877) 725-9797.

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2008. Voters can find voter registration information, including polling locations and legislative districts, by visiting http://sos.georgia.gov/cgi-bin/locator.asp.

FedEx Express Launches Express Your Vote Initiative with Overseas Vote Foundation for the Upcoming 2008 Presidential Election

BUSINESS WIRE--FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company, today announced its support of Express Your Vote, an initiative of the Overseas Vote Foundation (OVF), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to ensuring an estimated six million overseas Americans have the ability to effectively participate in the federal electoral process.

With FedEx supporting this initiative, Americans abroad in 89 countries will be able to access express delivery of their absentee ballots between September 15 – October 29 of the 2008 election year.

The innovative Express Your Vote program will provide American voters abroad the convenience of online shipping, track and trace capabilities, and proactive proof of delivery through the Overseas Vote Foundation Web site, which has been developed with the latest advanced automation solutions from FedEx.

Statistics from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s “2006 Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act Report” indicated that the third most common reason for ballots being rejected and not counted was because the ballots were returned to local election offices after the deadline.

“FedEx is committed to delivering innovative solutions to customers all over the world,” said Rajesh Subramaniam, senior vice president, International Marketing, FedEx Services. “Teaming up with the Overseas Vote Foundation to offer the Express Your Vote initiative is a natural extension of our ongoing commitment to making strategic use of our physical and digital networks to meet the needs of people worldwide.”

“Overseas Vote Foundation is delighted to work with FedEx Express to bring Express Your Vote to U.S. overseas and military absentee voters in 89 countries,” said Susan Dzieduszycka-Suinat, president and CEO of Overseas Vote Foundation. “This initiative will bring tremendous value to overseas and military voters who need access to the unrivaled network and services of FedEx Express.”

For more information on the FedEx Express-Overseas Vote Foundation Express Your Vote initiative and details about access to FedEx services, visit: http://www.overseasvotefoundation.org/ExpressYourVote.

Defense Department Program Informs Overseas Voters

GFP Note: Having the opportunity to cast your vote for the candidate of your choice is one of America's great gifts. If you have a loved one serving our nation overseas, be sure to read this story.

A Defense Department program is working to ensure overseas government employees, civilian contractors, servicemembers and their spouses have all the information they need to make their vote count.

Scott Wiedmann, deputy director and 15-year employee of the Federal Voting Assistance Program, said people deployed to combat or stationed overseas have numerous sources for registration and balloting information.

Every U.S. military installation and individual unit, as well as U.S. embassies, has voting assistance officers to help servicemembers and civilians. Information can also be found on the program's Web site at www.fvap.gov.

This year is particularly important because of the U.S. presidential election approaching in November, Wiedmann noted. "Every vote counts, and a vote in the U.S. is a very powerful vote, so people need to take advantage of it," he said. "Not to diminish the importance of any other country, but certainly, a vote for the U.S. president will have its effect on many issues. Policy decisions made by the U.S. government do have an effect on many other countries around the world."

Military members, especially, should take advantage of their vote, he said. "Their daily lives, their income, their living conditions and their retirement benefits are decided by Congress. So, they should certainly have a choice in who's representing them," he added.

Wiedmann encouraged people turning in absentee ballots to act as early as possible to ensure enough time for their ballots and registration requests to process. The earlier one starts the process, the more time election officials have to decide whether the applicant meets the jurisdiction requirements to vote, he explained. Early application allows enough time for such issues to be resolved, he added.

"As long as people get their ballot requests in at least 30 days before the election, no state will be too late," Wiedmann said. "Thirty days is the maximum timeline for registration and ballot requests."

The primary procedure for all 55 U.S. states and territories is to process registrations and ballots by mail, but many states are working with the Defense Department and allowing servicemembers and overseas voters to request by e-mail and fax, he said.

If voters don't receive their ballots in a timely manner, they can request backup ballots on the program's Web site as well as at every military installation and U.S. embassies worldwide, he added.

By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service

Atlanta Ballet Nominated for Nickelodeon Parents' Picks Awards

Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education has been named a nominee for “Best Artsy Class for Teens” as part of Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect's First Annual Parents' Picks Awards.

Teens participate in four of Atlanta Ballet’s Centre for Dance Education programs. The Student Division strengthens teens’ ballet technique while offering other styles of classes to increase teens’ dance versatility. Teens who participate in the Pre-Professional Division train six days per week to develop ballet technique at a professional level, to appear on stage with the Atlanta Ballet in performances, and to present performance pieces at national festivals and competitions. The Centre’s Open Division welcomes teens sixteen years and older for various levels of ballet, flamenco, hip-hop, jazz, and modern classes. Through strong partnerships with local high schools and the Latin American Association, the Centre also provides in-school and after-school dance instruction to Atlanta teens that may not otherwise be exposed to dance.

How to Vote
You can vote for nominees online at http://www.parentsconnect.com/parentspicks until June 30 to help determine which nominees are "top picks" in Atlanta. On July 15, the ParentsConnect.com site will publish the Parents' Picks winners and the winning venues' information will remain featured on the site for a year. All Parents' Picks businesses are nominated based on recommendations from ParentsConnect.com local city editors that live and work in the cities they cover, in conjunction with ParentsConnect users' feedback. Users' votes and rankings determine which venues are selected as winners.