With the election season in full swing, and the actual General Election less than a month away now, it’s prudent to remind all citizens registered to vote, aged 18 years and older, that there are multiple ways to ensure that your democratic voice is heard.

For those looking for a traditional voting experience on Election Day, ensure that you know where your polling place is located by going to vote.sos.ri.gov and clicking on the “Find a Polling Place” button with the magnifying glass icon.

On Election Day, voting locations are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and as long as you are in line by 8 p.m. you will be allowed to vote.

If you are concerned about a hectic day of work or long lines on Election Day stopping you from being able to get to a polling location on time, Rhode Island has a generous early voting period from Wednesday, Oct. 16 until the day before Election Day, Monday, Nov. 4.

These polling locations for early voting might be different than the polling location you are assigned for Election Day, so again be sure to check at vote.sos.ri.gov/Voter/PersonVotingPage.

Cranston voters can vote early at the Pastore Youth Center (155 Gansett, Ave.) Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Johnston voters can vote early at the Johnston Land Trust Building (515 Greenville Ave.) Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Warwick voters can vote early at Warwick City Hall (3275 Post Road) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

If voting in person is not an option at the time of the election or during the early voting period, you still have until Oct. 15 to apply for a mail ballot. All you need to do is go to mailballot.sos.ri.gov and fill out an application online. You only need your Rhode Island driver’s license or other applicable identification. Paper applications for a mail ballot are also available at the same web address.

With so many flexible options available to Rhode Islanders, there really is no excuse to not be involved in the fundamental democratic process that underpins the very heart of American society. The candidates running for office in your community have the most direct impact on your day-to-day lives, including control over the budgets that dictate the amount of taxes you pay, the people they vet and hire for municipal jobs, and the little quality of life issues that become big issues when they happen to you.

We like to look at it like this. If you stay out of the democratic process entirely, you don’t have solid ground to complain about the results you receive.