Election Day is approaching, and with it comes an opportunity that too many Americans take for granted: the opportunity to have a say in who represents us and how our communities are governed.

The Nov. 3 general election is important. The choices made by voters will affect our towns, villages, counties, schools and communities. Whether the race on the ballot is for a local office or a higher level of government, the people elected will make decisions that affect our daily lives.

The most important thing is simple: Vote.

And there is no reason to wait until Election Day.

Early voting in Orange and Ulster counties begins Saturday, Oct. 24, and continues through Sunday, Nov. 1. That gives voters nine days to find a convenient time to cast their ballots.

In Orange County, early voting will be available at the Middletown Senior Center, Newburgh Activity Center, Caroline Building in Goshen, Village of Montgomery Senior Center, Monroe Town Hall and New Windsor Community Center.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 24-25; noon to 8 p.m. Oct. 26-27; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 28-29; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 30; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.

In Ulster County, early voting will be available at the New Paltz Community Center, 3 Veterans Drive, New Paltz, and the Marlborough Community Center, 1520 Route 9W, Marlboro, among the county’s designated locations.

Ulster County hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 24-26; noon to 8 p.m. Oct. 27; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 28; noon to 8 p.m. Oct. 29; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 30 through Nov. 1.

Of course, voters can still cast their ballots on Election Day, Nov. 3. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Orange County voters who prefer to vote by absentee or early mail ballot can apply in person at the Board of Elections, 75 Webster Ave., Goshen, or apply online. The Board of Elections also will have extended hours Oct. 26-27 and during both early voting weekends.

We recognize that voting can sometimes feel like one more obligation in an already busy life. There are jobs, children, appointments, errands and countless other demands on our time. But democracy depends on citizens making the time.

And voting is not something that should be reserved for people who are passionate about politics. You don’t have to belong to a political party. You don’t have to agree with your neighbors. You don’t even have to be enthusiastic about every candidate on the ballot.

You simply have to care enough about your community to participate.
Too often, people complain about their government while sitting out elections. That is backwards. If we want better government, we have an obligation to take part in choosing the people who will govern us.

Your vote may be one of thousands or millions cast in an election. But it is still your vote. No one else gets to cast it for you.

So study the candidates. Read the proposals. Ask questions. Consider the issues. And then make your choice.

Most importantly, make sure you vote.

Democracy works best when people participate. This election, don’t leave that responsibility to someone else.