You’ve probably heard it before.

It’s your duty as a citizen to vote. Every vote matters. Rock the vote.

Cliches, yes, but they are still true. It’s particularly important to cast ballots and get involved in the political process in these days of change and upheaval.

The first step is to register. To encourage citizens to sign up, Sept. 26 has been deemed National Voter Registration Day.

The Island County Auditor’s elections department will be holding two voter registration events, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Oak Harbor Library and the galley on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

The events are intended to help eligible voters participate in the democratic process. If you can’t make it, you can always stop by the elections office in Coupeville to get information about registering.

In a vote-by-mail county, casting a ballot couldn’t be easier. Not every election day is big and exciting, but they all matter.

In August, two levy proposals failed in North Whidbey. The primary election had an overall voter turnout of roughly 31 percent. That means 7,195 residents made decisions for 22,759 eligible voters.

The fate of North Whidbey Parks and Recreation District may be decided in the Nov. 7 general election. If the levy fails again this November, the district will lose its levy entirely and the community will be facing serious cuts to pool programs.

North Whidbey Fire and Rescue and Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue both have measures on the ballot. The agencies are asking voters to increase levies to replace aging equipment and build more adequate infrastructure to meet department needs.

In November, voters in all parts of the island will get to vote. They will be asked to choose representatives to serve on a variety of councils, commissions and boards. Positions are up for grabs from Langley to Oak Harbor.

It’s a rocky time for government at a national level. Many people feel like they’re not being heard.

Voting at the most basic level of speaking out.