You’ve probably read posters, heard friends and seen Facebook posts begging you to please vote tomorrow. Here it is again: Please, please, vote tomorrow.

No, actually, please do it. Here’s just a very small taste of what’s at stake: the potential election of a record number of female, minority and first-time candidates; the possibility of Democrats regaining control of either the House or the Senate (or both); and several states—including Missouri—are examining legalization of medical marijuana. And that’s just a few reasons why this election in particular is so important.

Washington University’s Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement is striving for at least 20 percent voter turnout. At first, this figure may seem shockingly low—only 20 percent? But it’s drilled into our heads constantly that we should vote! Surely that must be a low goal?

It’s actually quite ambitious.

In the last midterm election in 2014, only 15.7 percent of eligible Washington University students voted. And that’s compared to the national average of 19.1 percent for university students at other schools. As a campus with so many students with strong and vocal political opinions, we should and can do better.

Whether you voted as an absentee, through early voting or will vote tomorrow, whether in your home state or Missouri, all individuals who are eligible to vote should do so at this particularly dire and tumultuous time in our nation’s history. Those voting in Missouri can consult our ballot explainer for information about the state-wide and local measures or, for more specific suggestions, our Editorial Board’s ballot choices. Wondering who the potential candidates are? We’ve got that covered, too.

Those who live on campus and registered as a voter with their university address are able to vote at the Athletic Complex. Some professors have canceled class to give students time to vote, but even if you do have class all day, as long as you’re in line to vote by 7 p.m. you have a constitutional right to cast your ballot. Those living off campus can look up their polling place on the official Missouri election website. If you’re concerned about the cost of getting to your polling place, Uber is offering $10 off rides, Lyft will offer 50 percent off rides and Lime will offer free rides all day long.

In one survey taken in June 2018, only 28 percent of voters between the ages of 18 to 29 said they will absolutely vote in midterms. In 2014, when Democrats lost control of the Senate, only 23 percent of voters aged 18-34 participated.

In the midst of all the national changes, don’t forget about those closest to our home here, too. Tomorrow is also Student Union’s election day. There are 11 Senate seats, 11 Treasury seats and most positions on ArtSci Council open. The last SU election saw a turnout of only 31 percent of students, a 16 percent drop from the year prior. More information about the election is available on Student Union’s website. These elections could be vital in determining your experience as a student at Washington University, affecting everything from how budgets are allocated to how initiatives regarding diversity, mental health and socioeconomic status are implemented.

Once you’ve made your voice heard, regardless of the results, let that be only the beginning. There are countless opportunities on campus to do your part and be politically involved. Get involved in Gephardt events. Take a class in the American Culture Studies, Political Science, History or Religion & Politics departments. If elections don’t go the way you’d hoped, that should only be additional motivation to get more involved in politics in the future and make a difference.

You have not just a right, but a duty to vote in America. Your voice matters more than you know. Democracy does not function as it should if citizens do not actively participate in its processes, voting being the most fundamental. Whatever your political affiliation, you have a responsibility to exercise your right and make your voice heard. We as citizens have a civic duty to exercise your right, otherwise our government will not reflect the opinions of the people under its jurisdiction. So, please, do the right thing and use every means necessary to make your voice heard on Tuesday.