Dear Voter:

   As the Primary Election nears you can almost feel the energy and excitement because this year you will have an even greater opportunity to participate in the election process than ever before! This June 2, 1998, you will have the chance to shape our state's future for the 21st century by participating in a truly historic event: California's first-ever Open Primary Election!

    The open primary, approved by the voters in 1996, is open to all registered voters. What does this mean to you? When you go to the polls in June, your primary election ballot will have the names of all candidates running for all offices from every political party. You can vote for whomever you wish, but you can only vote for one candidate in each race. The top vote-getters from each party in each race will compete against one another in the November General Election. For more information on how the Open Primary may affect you, please refer to "Explanation of the Open Primary Law". You may also obtain information by visiting our website at www.ss.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-345-VOTE.

    This June's Open Primary Election is truly a momentous occasion. To help you prepare for this unique election, we have redesigned and renamed the booklet the Voter Information Guide and Ballot Pamphlet in order to provide you with the materials you need to cast your ballot with confidence on Election Day! Inside this guide, you will find comprehensive summaries, legislative analyses and arguments on nine ballot propositions and statements from the candidates, themselves, who will appear on the Open Primary ballot on June 2, 1998. We urge you to please take the time to read each measure and statement carefully before going to the polls.

    In keeping with our long-established goal of 100 percent voter registration and participation, the Secretary of State's office is committed to raising the level of voter involvement in California. If you know of anyone who is not registered to vote and would like to do so, please have them call the Secretary of State's Voter Registration and Election Fraud Hot-Line at 1-800-345-VOTE to receive a voter registration form.

    It's important, too, to maintain a zero tolerance policy for fraud. The Hot-Line can also be used to report any incidents of election fraud, tampering or other election-oriented irregularities. You may also contact your county registrar of voters or district attorney to report any instances of election-related misconduct.

    Please register and vote in California's first-ever Open Primary Election on June 2, 1998. Together, we can make history!