In less than three weeks, voters here in Lawrence County, the tri-state and across the country will head to the polls in what many consider the most important election in recent memory.

Regardless of who you decide to cast your vote for, we simply want you to get out and vote.

Each person has particular reasons for voting a certain way, and that is a wonderful thing in our democracy. No one should ever tell another person how or what circumstances to base their voting decisions on, that is an individual right granted to us as citizens of this county.

Many talk about the big factors like the economy and jobs among many other things that are pressing in our country, state and communities. But if we don’t exercise our right to vote for the people and issues on the ballot that we feel will best help move us forward and create solutions, then unfortunately, that makes those who don’t vote part of the problem.

Casting a vote generally only takes a few minutes of your time, but we understand there are circumstances that could prevent someone from voting on Election Day.

However, there are alternatives to waiting until Election Day to cast your vote. You can vote early or cast an absentee ballot at the Lawrence County Courthouse until the close of business on Nov. 7.

Many would consider the race for president the biggest influence on why people will vote, but many other critical races and issues both locally and statewide are on the ballot as well.

We encourage everyone that is eligible to cast a vote in this election to get out to the polls because although some may say their vote doesn’t matter, that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Each person that casts a vote in any election cycle shows they want to be involved and be a part of the democratic process.