There are few duties more important for American citizens than casting their ballots in elections. It is their opportunity to actively influence the way governments operate.

And there’s no reason to wait to exercise that right, so it was good to see West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner at Wheeling Park and John Marshall high schools last week touting the importance of registering to vote — and getting juniors and seniors at those schools to register that day. He reminded students that even those who were 17 years old could register and vote in the November general election if they turned 18 by election day.

Warner’s trip to the Northern Panhandle was part of his tour of West Virginia during National Voter Registration Month, and he said his office has helped register more than 1,000 West Virginia students so far during the month.

That’s wonderful to see. It is crucial that young people’s voices be heard at the ballot box. Those young folks may sometimes think their opinions don’t matter, that older adults have monopolized the political conversation. By registering to vote, they now can step up and help shape how governments work.

Warner said he has been pleased to see more young, politically active students.

“There is a larger percentage of the class registering to vote the first time they get to do it,” Warner said.

That’s great to hear, and hopefully those students will stay plugged in and at the ballot box on Election Day.