Election Day is November 4, and 33 states are holding critical state and local elections. There are no “off year” elections!

The health of our planet and the health of our democracy go hand in hand because our nation’s biggest environmental challenges require political solutions. From local initiatives to national policies, every elected official on the ballot plays a crucial role in shaping decisions that affect our communities.

Your vote is your voice, and our freedom to vote enables us to work toward a more sustainable future for all. To make sure you’re ready to make your voice heard on November 4th here’s what you can do right now:

States have varying options for how, when, and where you can cast your ballot, so check your state’s voting methods and choose the one that works best for you. Depending on where you live, you may have several options:

• Drop off your ballot at your polling place, election office, or a ballot drop box
• Early voting in person
• Voting in person on election day

Some states require voters to show a valid ID for in-person voting, so before you head to the polls, make sure you have everything you need.

There are elections across the country for local and state offices and ballot measures that can have a HUGE impact on our everyday lives. New Jersey and Virginia are both holding races for governor as well.

Find out what’s on your ballot, and take some time to learn about the candidates and issues. Voting isn’t supposed to be a pop quiz! Knowing what’s at stake ahead of time ensures you’re prepared when it comes time to vote.

After you’ve learned what’s on your ballot and decided how you’ll cast your vote, it’s time to share your voting plan with your friends and family.  Make sure they know key details about  upcoming elections in their area like when and where to vote and what they need to bring to the polls. You can even encourage them to sign up for election reminders, so they don’t miss any important updates or deadlines.

People are more likely to vote when they’re encouraged by someone they know. So, round up your friends, grab a coffee, and make your voices heard together.

Whether you’re voting early, in person, or by mail, it’s important to know your rights as a voter. Every voter has the right to make their voice heard without experiencing barriers or intimidation.

If you’re voting in person and find yourself waiting in a long line when the polls close, don’t leave—stay in line. As long as you’re in line at your polling location before the official closing time, you have the right to vote. If for some reason you’re told you can’t cast a ballot, request a provisional ballot to ensure your vote is counted and make sure you’re told how you can verify your eligibility.

If you experience any difficulties voting or have questions about the voting process, call or text the Election Protection Hotlines:

• 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) – English language hotline
• 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) – Spanish language hotline
• 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683) – Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Bengali, Hindi, Urdu and Tagalog hotline
• 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287) – Arabic language hotline
• American Sign Language video call number: 301-818-VOTE (301-818-8683)

Our democracy works best when every voter participates. Casting your ballot means shaping the future of our planet, our democracy, and our communities for generations to come. Make your plan to vote TODAY at lcv.org/vote.