You’ve heard it before — It’s your duty as a citizen to vote.

Every vote matters.

Rock the vote.

Clichés, yes, but nonetheless true. It’s particularly important in these contentious times to get involved in the political process.

If you haven’t voted, the first step is to register.

To encourage citizens to sign up, Sept. 26 is National Voter Registration Day, and the Island County Auditor’s Elections Department is holding two voter registration events.

They are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Oak Harbor Library and at the galley on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

The events are intended to assist eligible voters wanting to participate in the democratic process. If you can’t make it to one of these events, stop by the Elections Office in Coupeville to registering.

In a vote-by-mail county, casting a ballot couldn’t be easier. Not every election day is big and exciting, but they all matter.

In August, two levy proposals failed in North Whidbey. The primary election had an overall voter turnout of roughly 31 percent.

That means about 7,195 residents made the choice for 22,759 eligible voters.

The fate of North Whidbey Park and Recreation District may be decided by the Nov. 7 election. If the levy fails again, the district will lose its levy entirely and the community will face major cuts to pool programs.

North Whidbey Fire and Rescue and Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue also have measures on the ballot. The agencies are asking voters to increase levies to replace aging equipment and build more adequate infrastructure to meet department needs.

In November, voters in all parts of the island will get to vote. They will be asked to choose representatives to serve in a variety of elected positions.

At all levels of government, many people say they feel their voices are not being heard.

Problem is, if you don’t vote, your voice is not heard, and that’s solely on you.