Today is Election Day, and those who have not cast their ballot in this important midterm contest should take the time to do so. Voters have the opportunity to weigh in on many key races as well as issues facing Colorado, and should exercise that duty. The state has made it easy to do so.

This is the first election in which all registered voters in Colorado have received, unbidden, a ballot by mail. County clerks across the state distributed the ballots in mid-October, and voters have been returning them during the last several weeks. Thus far, Colorado Republicans are outperforming their Democratic counterparts in casting ballots: Statewide, just fewer than 559,000 ballots have been returned from registered Republicans while just 446,448 Democrats had cast their votes as of Monday. Meanwhile, nearly 359,500 unaffiliated voters have weighed in on these midterm races. In La Plata County, 5,837 Democrats have cast their ballots, compared to 6,138 Republicans and 4,324 unaffiliated voters. There are many more voters who have yet to contribute to today’s outcome. The bottom line is that every vote matters in this election, and all others.

In Colorado, voters are choosing their next U.S. Senator, deciding whether to keep Democratic incumbent Mark Udall or replace him with Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma. Their politics are starkly different, and their race is razor thin. With control of the Senate hanging in the balance of this and a few other close races across the country, voting in the Udall-Gardner contest is imperative. Gov. John Hickenlooper is in a tight battle with his challenger, former Rep. Bob Beauprez. The state’s next four years will be distinctly influenced by whichever man wins today’s election. Locally, the two candidates vying for La Plata County sheriff represent starkly different cultural and organizational viewpoints. Voter input is essential in that important conversation.

Statewide, Coloradans are being asked to embed two ballot initiatives into the state Constitution – one addressing personhood and all the rights such a term entails, and another allowing for one new race track that would ostensibly benefit K-12 education. These matters have no business in the Constitution, and voters should firmly deny the request.

Today culminates an extraordinarily long and contentious election season that candidates, issue advocates and voters will all be happy to see conclude. Until 7 p.m. though, civic duty must remain at the top of Coloradans’ list. If you have yet to return your mail ballot, do so by 7 p.m. today at the La Plata County Courthouse, Bayfield Town Hall, Ignacio Town Hall or the La Plata County Clerk & Recorder’s office at 98 Everett St. Suite C in Bodo Industrial Park. Alternatively, for those who prefer voting in person, they can do so at polling places established the clerk’s office, Bayfield Town Hall and the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Weigh in today. Your voice is critical.