L.A. Area Landlords to Distribute Voter Registration Forms; The efforts by CAA Members aimed at making sure new residents stay eligible to vote in November election.

LOS ANGELES -- People who move into apartments owned or managed by members of the Los Angeles Division of the California Apartment Association (CAA) can count on getting a little extra help this year when it comes to registering to vote. Between now and the October 18th deadline, CAA-LA members throughout Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley and other L.A. County communities will be distributing voter registration cards to new residents in an effort to make sure they don't lose their eligibility to vote in the November 2nd General Election.

CAA-LA's voter registration program began September 1st at the Park LaBrea apartments near L.A.'s Farmer's Market. To date, owners and managers operating more than 35,000 apartment units are taking part in the program and voter registration materials are being distributed in both Spanish and English. Companies participating include Park LaBrea, E & S Ring, Legacy Partners, Fairfield Apartment Communities, Sares-Regis, Archstone-Smith, AIMCO, Essex and Pinnacle Properties. More CAA member properties are being added every day.

"Voting isn't about Democrats and Republicans, it's about being an American," said Chris Scroggin, general manager of the 4,236 unit Park LaBrea Apartments. "We're here to do what's right by residents."

Doing what's right is getting more people to vote, according to Rusty Hammer, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. "CAA-LA's voter registration program is an innovative way to get new residents involved as soon as they move in," said Hammer. "With our system of government, it is incumbent that everyone participate and get involved in their communities by voting, communicating with their public officials and paying attention to the decision making process."

The California Apartment Association is the nation's largest statewide rental property association, representing more than 50,000 California rental property owners, management professionals and apartment builders who operate more than 2 million rental housing units statewide including more than 51,000 in Los Angeles. CAA provides continuing education to its members and consumer education to the public and government officials. Members of CAA pledge to observe the association's Code of Ethics and commit to a Resident's Bill of Rights.

Note to Editors: A complete roster of participating properties is available by contacting Tara Bannister, executive director of CAA-LA, at 213/804-6870 or via e-mail at [e-mail].