Los Angeles, CA – An unprecedented voter registration drive has been put under way by the Armenian National Committee-Western Region (ANC-WR) for the upcoming local and state elections in Southern California. Volunteers, led by Voter Registration Coordinator Christopher Yemenidjian will be coordinating the drive in an effort to increase Armenian American voter registration throughout the greater Los Angeles area and to raise awareness about the importance of voting regularly and how to remain informed about issues of concern to the community.

“The voter registration effort led by ANC-WR is critical to thrive as a community while relaying our concerns to the public,” said Yemenidjian. “Over the next few months we will be working side by side with local ANC chapters, youth organizations, activists, and volunteers to spike voter registration in Southern California,” he added.

The elections will be taking place in Southern California, specifically Pasadena, Burbank, Glendale and Los Angeles between February and April. Local ANC chapters and the Armenian Youth Federation Western Region (AYF-WR) will be playing a vital role leading up to the elections by registering Armenian Americans at local churches, colleges and high school campuses, as well as community centers among other sites. As each vote can make a difference, carpools will be organized on election days to take voters to the poles.

The Los Angeles Armenian community is estimated to be over 500,000 strong. Traditionally, the Armenian American community has a strong showing at the polls come Election Day. The Armenian National Committee regularly promotes voter registration as a means of the community taking an active role in civic life and public affairs.

In addition to this effort, ANC-WR is teaming up with the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) to answer President-Elect Barack Obama’s challenge to Americans to participate in National Day of Service activities with a nation-wide campaign to feed the hungry. The Day of Service is set to coincide with Martin Luther King Memorial Day (January 19). For more information please visit http:anca.org/press_releases/press_releases.php?prid=1646.

If you are interested in registering to vote or have further questions or concerns please call the ANC-WR office at (818) 500-1918. Volunteers are also on hand to register voters at their homes if they are unable to visit registering sites as well as providing assistance in filling out registration forms.

The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANC-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.