November 3 is Election Day, and several students will have the opportunity to vote for the first time. Election Day is one of the most important events in the United States. People in some countries are not permitted to vote but, as Americans, we can contribute to choosing the leaders and the laws that will govern our country, our states and our local communities.

While most elections focus on the actual day, this year has been a little different. Voters have the option of mailing in their ballot or dropping it off either in an official dropbox or at their local polling place. Of course, another option is to vote in person.

With so many options, it is often hard to make a decision and know what to do next. A quick visit to https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/ can help voters decide where to go and when.

All registered voters were sent a vote-by-mail ballot. While the deadline to register to vote online or by mail was October 19, it is possible to register directly at the polling place on November 3. To qualify, new voters should be residents of California, 18 years or older, not on parole for a conviction of a felony, and not found to be mentally incompetent.

There are many important propositions on the current ballot, including Proposition 16 which “Repeals Proposition 209 (1996), which says that the state cannot discriminate or grant preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, education, or contracting;” and Proposition 18 which “allows 17-year-olds who will be 18 at the time of the next general election to vote in primaries and special elections.”

The result of the election is usually called on the night of Election Day, although some close races can take for weeks.

The next major election will be on November 8, 2022, when California will be voting on a new governor. While some students are eligible to vote in the current election, those who are only 16 or 17 you can pre-register now for that election. Pre-registration can take place online or at the local polling place.