Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1926-08-27
Importance OF Registration,

That it is the duty Of every good citizen
to take part in the government Of his or
her country is a statement that is I'M
areuable that this duty can best be per-
formed through the medium of the ballot
That, in order to prevent duplication, cor
ruption and manipulation. there must be
devised some scheme by means Of which
those qualified to vote can be known and
that this is taken care of by the regstrs-
ton Of voters. is bnt stating what every
one knows Yet despite the obligation
resting upon every citizen to regis
ter and vote. there are always a eoodly
number who must be reminded Of this
duty; otherwise it is either forgotten or
neglected. Ii is impossible for a party to
grow in number or influence. unless new
blood is constantly added to it's ranks. This
is done through the regular registration
channels. A party that is alive and full
Of vim will see to il that as fast as our
men and women become OF legal age that
the importance Of getting registered is
pointed out to them; live party will keep
a careful watch over its old members and
see that when they move from one district
to another. that the proper changes in regis
tration are made; a live party will watch
carefully for the new citizens that enter
our midst from other counties or States
and explain to them the requirements Of
our law to make them legal voters here,
where they are to make their home.
This matter Of looking after the registra-
ton is the duty of the State Central Com
mittees Of the various parties. and upon
these bodies mainly depends the efficiency
Of the work. Yet no body Of men can
accomplish the right kind of results with
out the help and co operation Of the indi-
vidual members of their party.
Maryland Democrats face an important
election this fall; an election in which
they must choose a United States Senator.
Congressman. Governor, Comptroller and
Attorney-General. and in addition to these
ill every county Office. from the largest to
the smallest. II is essential TO the success
OF the party that every Democrat in the
State is properly registered. This can only
be done by hard. systematic work. AS
central agent for directing and overseeing
this work. the Democratic State Central
Committee will unquestionably do its part
1t is up to the Democrats in each Of the
several districts Of the county to see to it
that the State Central Committee has all
the aid and cooperation necessary to make
this work a success.
The time is growing short between the
present and the last days Of registration,
and there is none to spare if this work is to
be done properly and efficiently. Men and
women in each community should be get
ting ready now by going over the lists and
taking note Of all who have moved in or
out. and especially Of those who are of
legal age or will be by election day. There
is no more valuable asset to any party
than those young men and women who
have just reached the age when they
are entitled under the law to the full
rights of an American citizen. The i'm
portance Of registering and taking their
full part in the party of their choice should
be impressed upon these young members
and every aid and assistance possible
should be given them to &c, registered.
This paper is interested in the Demo-
cratic party and its success: it recognizes
that the first important duty Of the party
is TO see to il that its vote all over the
county is registered. 1t matters not how
good ticket may be nominated or how
well that ticket be distributed, a party
with great part of its vote not registered
is certain to be handicapped.
The first registratration is but few
days off, and there is much work to be done
in every district Of the county before the
party is ready for this work Work should
commence at once; information gathered.
lists prepared and machinery put in motion
to see that results be obtained. when the
time comes. System. organization and work
pay as big dividends In party success as
these things do in any other undertaking,
and the lack Of system and organization
and work is just as expensive in politics
as elsewhere. II requires work, system and
organization to get party's voters prop
erly registered. and the party which neg
lects this essential principle is certain to
pay for il with decreased vote. II the
election be anywhere close, the failure to
get the Democratic vote registered may
mean defeat. Let's not forget the impor-
lance Of registration il we are real Demo-
Gratis and want the party Of our choice to