What will you be doing this Tuesday?

It’s a weekday, so it’s quite likely that many of our readers will be working. Younger folks or non-traditional students might have classes to attend. Retirees may have an appointment scheduled or have plans to do some yard work or other tasks.

I, myself, will be working that day. It will definitely be an evening shift, so I might be able to run some errands or complete some chores before heading to the office.

But there is one thing I will definitely do, no matter what — I will visit my polling location to cast my vote.

Ever since I was big enough to stand beside my mother behind a curtain in a makeshift voting booth, I have been going to the polls on Election Day. With the exception of a couple of years when I was in college, I have voted in person each and every time I had the opportunity to do so. During those college years, I requested and cast an absentee ballot by mail.

Why all the effort?

Because I believe, as my parents and teachers taught me, that voting is one of the most important things that I can do for myself, my community, my state and my country. It is a right and a responsibility. It is the way we make America work.

No, we won’t be choosing a new president this year, but many mayors, trustees, fiscal officers and school board members will be elected. There are also two statewide issues on the ballot that will determine the future of abortion and marijuana use across Ohio.

And in many local communities, tax questions are being presented that can help determine plans for educational facilities, revenue streams for cities, funding for police and fire protection and much more.

So, if you are a registered voter and haven’t cast and early ballot yet, remember that time is running short. Early- in-person voting still takes place Nov. 4-5, but if you miss that window you must remember to go to the polls on Election Day. Polling locations will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., providing ample opportunity to make an extra stop.

This is important, folks. Get out and vote.