Hey there DUers!
I am from California (hence my moniker: CaliGal), born and raised. Live in the SF bay area. I have been a Democrat my whole life (but have voted Republican....I was young..), and have always voted. I get annoyed at people who do not vote. I am one of those friends who would wonder how the hell people can NOT vote, when these are the people making laws and decisions that affect your life.
I am so happy I found DU. I started at the HuffPost, but have found terrible TPers there. Nasty. It ticks me off, because I like hearing other points of view, but not when it's nasty. And, it seems, Republican's can't post there without getting nasty. So, I searched out other forums, and found this site. I have to say, I love it here!
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I hope you have fun! Be sure to check out the smaller groups listed under Topics in the left column - lots of great conversations! 
I too, once voted Repub; okay, twice. But not since 1992, and never again! 
Welcome to DU!