In less than a week, Ohioans will take to the polls for the March 15 primary.

With early voting hours available and the option to vote absentee, there really is no excuse for all registered voters not getting out there and making their voices heard.

Voting is a very personal experience and one that should not be taken lightly. For whichever name you check on the ballot on Tuesday, that person should have earned your vote fair and square. No one else’s politics, opinions or persuasions matter when you’re in that voting booth or filling out your absentee form.

That’s what makes this country great. Every registered voter has the right to be a part of that process and every citizen should want to be a part of that process.

If you haven’t voted yet, but want to cast your ballot early, in-person absentee hours are 8 a.m.-7 p.m. today.

Over the weekend, in-person absentee hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. On Monday, March 14, in-person absentee hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Then on Election Day, March 15, the polls will be open from 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Absentee ballots are due by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day or postmarked by March 14.