APRIL VOTE NOT TOO REMOTE.

Byline: Luz Villarreal Daily News Staff Writer

You won't see a repeat of the massive voter registration drive that took place last fall but election officials hope residents are inspired enough on their own to sign up for Los Angeles' municipal elections on April 8.

The last day to register to vote is March. 10.

Municipal elections are just as important, if not more so, than other elections, said Kris Heffron, chief management analyst of the city's election division.

``The local government and local offices residents are voting for are going to have more of an impact on their daily lives,'' said Heffron. ``I feel very strongly that our local elections are very significant and everyone should have a voice.''

Many Los Angeles residents, however, apparently don't share Heffron's enthusiasm.

In November, 49 percent of the city's 1.3 million voters turned out for general elections.

During the 1995 municipal elections, only 17 percent of voters cast ballots. The turnout for the 1993 municipal elections was higher, 35 percent, but that could be attributed in part to the open seat for mayor, Heffron said.

If you are planning to cast a ballot on April 8, here are a few steps to follow.

If you voted in the November general elections and haven't changed your address, you are automatically registered to vote in the upcoming April 8 city elections.

If you relocated since Nov. 5, or plan to change addresses before March 10, the deadline to register, you must complete a new voter registration application and mail it to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder's Office.

To register to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old at time of the election, a city resident and you cannot have a felony conviction.

Postage-paid voter registration cards are available at most post offices, city and county offices, fire stations and public libraries. They can also be obtained by calling the Registrar-Recorder's Office at [phone].