The early voting period for this year’s election starts today.

This will be the fourth year since New York state began to offer an early voting period. There’s plenty of reasons to cast your vote early — you can avoid the crowds and parking problems on Election Day; vote on a day off, when you don’t have to work voting into your schedule; and, in the case of Franklin County voters, you can even make a day out of it by visiting the early voting station in Malone.

Below is a three-point checklist we hope will be helpful as voters head to the polls early.

1. First, make sure you are registered to vote and your registration information — including your current address — is correct. You can look up your voter information by visiting voterlookup.elections.ny.gov or by calling your county Board of Elections office. Today, Oct. 28, is the last day to register to vote to be able to vote in this year’s election.

2. Do you know what races will be on the ballot, and who the candidates are? If not, we would suggest visiting www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/news/politics to see the latest election information, including candidate questionnaires for most of the races in the Tri-Lakes region.

3. Make sure you’re voting at the right place. After looking up your voter registration, you should know which county you are registered to vote in. Voters who live in Essex County can vote early between Oct. 28 and Nov. 5 at one of two locations: At the Lake Placid Beach House, 31 Parkside Dr., or at the Essex County Public Safety Building, 702 Stowersville Road in Lewis. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday except Oct. 30 and Nov. 1, when the hours are noon to 8 p.m. Voters who live in Franklin County only have one early voting station: The Franklin County Board of Elections office in Malone. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday except Oct. 30 and Nov. 1, when the hours are noon to 8 p.m.

Whether you vote early or on Election Day, you’re doing your civic duty. If you’re not planning to vote this year, we urge you to change your mind. Your voice matters. Your vote matters. That’s especially true in local elections such as this one.