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It is our turn.
After months of often harsh rhetoric on the campaign trail -- not infrequently by candidates far down the ballot from president -- today is Election Day. Finally, we voters take center stage.
Those who have not bothered to learn about the candidates and issues, from local to national, probably ought to stay away from the polls. If you are reading this, it is unlikely you are among them.
Our system of government is based on an informed, energized electorate. Newspaper readers tend to be in that category.
For that very reason, it is possible you have cast a ballot already, through early voting or the absentee process. COVID-19 has prompted many people to do that.
If you have not voted, the risk of contracting the disease may make you fearful of going to your polling place today. No reasonable person would think less of you for having that concern.
Understand, however, that election officials and precinct workers are taking effective steps to make polling places safe. If you wear a facial covering, observe social distancing and use the hand sanitizer provided, you should be all right.
This is the most important election in the memories of many Americans. Even for those who recall other troubled times -- the Vietnam era comes to mind -- the high stakes this time around are clear.
Voting is important all the time. It is more critical than normal this year.
So, if you feel you can do so safely, we urge you to vote today, if you have not already.
Polling places in both our states are open until 7:30 p.m. today.
We have suffered through seemingly endless appeals and warnings. We have had time to think about the issues and consider the candidates.
Today is Election Day.
Now, it's our turn.