WICHITA, Kansas, September 19, 2008 – Those who will race for the cure this year will also have a chance to vote for the cure by registering to vote on race day. It’s an added perk for those working to fight breast cancer that will give them power in the voting booth.

“I already know who I'm voting for, and I vote based on policy not party,” said fist time voter Kara Carter.

For Carter, November can’t some soon enough. By then she’ll be 18 and able to vote for the first time. She’s registering to vote at the Komen for the Cure event because she won’t just vote in November; she plans to vote for a cure.

“I am adopted -- my birth grandmother she died of breast cancer,” Carter said. “It's been important to me because my mom has been working on it since I was little since way back before I can remember.”

Komen breast cancer advocates were officially brought into the political arena with the I Vote for the Cure Campaign. It’s a way to make politicians more aware of how many people actually support breast cancer funding. Besides petitions that the candidates can see, a push is on to get breast cancer advocates to show up at the polls.

“Every two years I don't know where and don't know which race, every single election cycle there has been a race decided by fewer than five votes,” said Secretary of State Ron Thornburg.

State election officials say it can make a difference.

“Voter registration is one of my big passions this year I believe young people really need to get involved,” said Democratic Party volunteer Rebekah Askren.

And registering on race day is as easy as filing out one short form.

As for how each candidate feels about breast cancer research funding and health care? Election officials say it’s up to you as a voter to ask.

You can register to vote at the Race for the Cure Saturday, September 27th on site.