CLIPBOARD : MASTER VOTER REGISTRATION

About 60% of county residents who were eligible to vote in the 1990 general election registered to do so, according to officials.

The voter registration process has been labeled by some as too difficult, resulting in low registration and, in turn, low voter turnout. Others say it is simply a lack of information that accounts for such a low number of eligible voters on the registration rolls.

Anyone who is 18 years old on or before Election Day, a U.S. citizen, a California resident and not in prison or on parole for any felony conviction is eligible to vote.

You must be registered to vote at least 29 days before the election. If you move within 28 days of election, you can vote by returning on Election Day to your former precinct or by obtaining an absentee ballot from the registrar with jurisdiction over that precinct.

WHEN TO REGISTER OR RE-REGISTER * If you have never registered.

* If you have moved since the last election. Election information cannot be forwarded through the mail.

* If you have changed your name.

* If you want to change your party affiliation.

WHERE TO REGISTER Voter registration forms are available at the following locations. The form is pre-addressed and postage paid:

* Orange County Registrar of Voters, 1300-C S. Grand Ave., Santa Ana

* City clerk offices

* Post offices

* County facilities (Orange County Courthouse, Hall of Administration, etc.)

* Chambers of commerce

* Public libraries

* Department of Motor Vehicles

* The student activities offices at universities, colleges and high schools

* Senior centers

* Political party central committees

* Automobile Club of Southern California

You can also have a voter registration postcard mailed to you by calling the registrar of voters at (714) 567-7600 or the State of California’s voter hot line at (800) 345-8683.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES Permanent Absent Voter: Many disabled people are eligible for permanent absent-voter status, allowing them to vote through the mail in each election, said Terry McCaffery, outreach coordinator for the registration and elections division of the county’s General Services Agency. For more information or an application, call (714) 567-7600 and ask for the absentee section.

Confidential Registration: The voter registration rolls are public records and a major source for researchers to obtain information about individuals. However, there are some people who, for security reasons, do not want their addresses and other personal information a part of the public record.

Active or retired judges, court commissioners, district attorneys, assistant district attorneys, public defenders, assistant public defenders, peace officers and those who live with peace officers can request a confidential affidavit of registration at the registrar’s office. The home street address, telephone number, occupation and precinct will be kept confidential from the general public, but will be accessible to election officials and others with a legitimate need to know the information.

If you want to register to vote but do not want your address public knowledge because you have been threatened or fear for your safety, you can request confidentiality of your voter registration record at Orange County Superior Court. Contact the court clerk at (714) 834-2200 for more information.

Eligible Voters and Registration

18 and Older Registered % of Eligible Voters Year Population Voters Who Registered 1960 423,433 322,880 76.3 1970 897,299 612,006 68.2 1980 1,407,121 1,013,337 72.0 1990 1,821,253 1,090,954 59.9

Source: County of Orange Registrar of Voters