Just over 18% of registered voters in Tuscarawas County cast ballots in the 2012 primary election. That’s got to be a typo, right? No. Seriously, of the near 59,000 registered voters in our county, less than 11,000 showed up at the polls. (Just in case you’re wondering: only 21% of registered voters in Dover Township voted that election.)

Now we’ve missed the deadline to remind you to register to vote: that was February 16. But we haven’t missed the opportunity to remind you to vote on March 15. The single most important thing you can do as a citizen of our country is to participate in the democratic process, casting your vote at each and every election.

And when you vote on March 15 (you’re going to vote, right?), don’t forget your ID. Every voter will be required to provide proof of identity before voting. Eligible forms of identification include: current and valid photo identification card; military identification; copy of utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check; or government document with your name and current address.

If you can’t get there in person on March 15, don’t sweat it. You can submit absentee ballots in-person or via mail through March 14. Any qualified voter may vote by absentee ballot without providing a reason. To do so, visit the BOE office—101 E. High Ave., New Philadelphia—or print your request for an absentee ballot from the BOE website—boe.co.tuscarawas.oh.us. Mail it in, and they’ll send you your ballot. Fill it out, drop it in the mail, and then kick back—you’ve done your civic duty.

Write it on your calendar, set an alarm on your phone or computer, put a Post-It on the fridge. Do whatever you have to do to remember to vote this March 15.

Want us to remind you? Email subscribers will receive a voting reminder on March 15. Subscribe here.