The 2020 election is just around the corner, and with an election year as controversial as this, voting is imperative.

While it may be too late to submit a ballot by mail, you can still vote in person on, or before, Election Day.

Before you head to the polls, do your research. Look at example ballots for your district online and inform yourself about the policies and politicians you’ll be voting on.

Plan ahead. Make room in your schedule to vote, even if that means standing in line for a while or taking a “sick day” from class. Early voting allows you to hopefully beat the stress and hours of waiting Nov. 3, but there still may be a crowd depending on how busy your polling station is.

To vote early, the Brookings City and County Government Center is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Nov. 2. On Election Day, the voting centers for Brookings County are the Brookings Activity Center, Bethel Baptist Church, Holy Life Tabernacle Church and Aurora Little Hall. These locations are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In the state of South Dakota, employers can give workers up to two hours to leave and vote; however, they are not required to do so if the employee has two consecutive hours where they may vote outside of their work schedule.

In the event that you do have to wait in line, make sure you bring a mask and social distance. Bring your driver’s license with you as well, or all that time waiting will be for nothing.

If you decide to vote in person on Election Day, be prepared for a wait, but stick it out. If the line discourages you, remember that voting is your civic responsibility, and why would you want other people making those decisions for you?

We at The Collegian urge everyone, whether it’s today or Nov. 3, to get out and vote for the administration you want to represent you for the next four years.

The Collegian Editorial Board meets weekly and agrees on the issue of the editorial. The editorial represents the opinion of The Collegian.