Here we go again. I know, it seems like we just finished an election -- and we did -- but it's time to get ready for the Western States Presidential Primary on Feb. 5, 2008.

This election is considered a party election, which means that the parties dictate who can vote. It's a time when the parties narrow down their candidates. The two parties that will be involved in the primary, Democratic and Republican, have both decided to close their elections. What does this mean to you? Let me try to explain.

If you want to vote the Republican ballot, you must be registered as a Republican, or as unaffiliated and willing to fill out a form at the polls to affiliate with the Republican Party. If you want to vote the Democratic ballot, you must be registered as a Democrat, or as unaffiliated and willing to affiliate with the Democratic Party. You will not be required to fill out an affiliation form to vote the Democratic ballot.

If you are registered with any other party, you will not be able to vote in the primary election unless you choose to change your party affiliation. You may change your party affiliation by filling out a new voter registration or party affiliation form. These forms are available on-line, in the clerk's office, or by calling to request a form be mailed to you. The filled-out forms must be back into the clerk's office, or postmarked, by Jan. 7, in order for the change to be effective for the primary.

Those of you who live in a permanent by-mail precinct, as well as absentee voters, will be receiving a letter in the mail asking which ballot you want to vote. On the label showing your registration information will be your party affiliation. If you would like to change that affiliation, please fill out the party affiliation form that will be included with the letter, as well as the form telling us which ballot to send you. Please remember to sign both of the forms.

If you have any questions concerning the election, your party affiliation, or anything else, please feel free to call the clerk's office at 843-3140. You may also check your registration information by going to our Web site at www.co.tooele.ut.us/clerk.htm. Scroll to the bottom of the screen where it says "To check your voter registration and find your polling location, click here." It will ask for your first and last names, birth date and your house number. For instance, if your address if 47 S. Main St., it wants the "47."

As always, if you have moved into the county or within the county, please re-register with your current information. If you don't get it in by Jan. 7, you may come to the clerk's office and register -- which can be done until Jan. 29, 2008. You must come in person and bring your government issued picture ID. Unfortunately, you will not be able to change your party affiliation after the Jan. 7 cutoff.

Marilyn K. Gillette is the Tooele County clerk.