Can you believe we're close to election season? I mean there are already debates happening, candidate nights, etc. The primaries are just in September, and there is a small army of people running for public office. I mean there are almost enough candidates for mayor alone that we could field a football team.

Recently, I was canvassing with one of those candidates (I won't tell you who), and I was shocked at how many Baltimoreans took strange pride in not voting.

As we went around from door to door, people would frequently say, "I have never voted and I never will," like it was an accomplishment of some kind. Of course, many of them had gripes about government, complaints and ideas. But they didn't vote. The common rule of thumb is, if you don't vote, you don't get to complain. So, if for no other reason than to reserve your right to gripe, you need to vote.

And in order to vote, you need to register to vote, which is why the Hampden Village Merchants Association and the Hampden Community Council have teamed up to help you register. Resident and business-owner George Peters has organized a number of places in Hampden where you can go and register to vote, and he's looking for volunteers to go door to door to help register people.

"I have been talking about doing this for a years and I figured with a pivotal election looming, now was the time to make it happen," George explained. "The plan is to go door to door, all over the neighborhood, and register every single eligible voter. In addition to our canvassing efforts, we plan to hold a number of voter registration events over the summer and you can also register to vote at select businesses across the neighborhood."

Believe it or not, Baltimore City officials pay attention to which districts turn out the most votes. The more people we have voting in Hampden, the more attention city leaders will pay to our issues.

George also pointed out, "This is a non-partisan project, so it does not matter what party or candidate you support. The important part is ensuring Hampden's voice. The important thing is to get everyone to vote."

So if you want to become a certified registrar and help get Hampden residents to vote in the primaries and general election, go to http://www.hampdenhappenings.org/VoteHampden or email george@georgepeters.com.

And if you are looking to register to vote, you can do so at any of the following businesses in Hampden: Atomic Books, 3620 Falls Road, HONtown, 1001 West 36th St., Sugar, 927 West 36th St.,, Avenue Antiques. 901 West 36th St., Breathe Books, 810 West 36th St., Kiss and Make Up, 827 West 36th St., and Fleckenstein Gallery, 3316 Keswick Road).

So what are you waiting for?