This November will mark 34 years since I first voted in an election. I’ve voted for candidates who have won and probably a few more who came up short. What I have never done is miss an election.

There is a good chance many of you who have not yet voted could feel hesitant because you feel you don’t know enough about who you will be voting for, or that the process sounds complicated. That’s a natural enough concern, but as with most information deficits, librarians have a cure!

First, the basics. When is the election? It’s Tuesday, Nov. 6, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Can’t wait that long to vote? Good! I like that enthusiasm. Early voting has already begun in Wisconsin, and you can register and vote today. There is a list of registration requirements to prove Wisconsin residence at https://elections.wi.gov/publications/voter-guides/proof-of-residence.

Won’t I need an ID to vote? Yes, and you can use a state-issued ID, your driver’s license (even if your address has changed or your privileges have been suspended), a U.S. Military ID or VA-issued card, a U.S. Passport, or a federally-recognized tribal ID card.  You can find more details at https://www.bringitwisconsin.com/frequently-asked-questions.

Great, I think we’re getting somewhere. Speaking of somewhere, do you know where you’re supposed to vote? If you vote early, you will probably have to report to a different location. In Madison, you can vote early at the City Clerk’s office, but after Oct. 15, you can also vote at the Madison Public Libraries. For places around Madison, check with your city or town hall. Also, most early polling places end early voting on Friday, Nov. 2. To find your polling site, search at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-US/FindMyPollingPlace.

By visiting our political science research guide at https://libguides.madisoncollege.edu/polisci you can find links to information on candidates. The League of Women Voters publishes an election year questionnaire and Wisconsin Public Television and Public Radio have websites devoted to election information. The Madison newspapers also publish candidate profiles. Bear in mind that not every candidate responds to questionnaires. If you need assistance researching a candidate, librarians are happy to help.

There has been much talk in the media about current threats to our democratic system. Perhaps these are emotional overreactions to changing norms in our political system, or they could be early warning signs that our republic is indeed in trouble. Either way, as a newly minted adult, you will need to take your civic-self more seriously.

As the American humorist Evan Esar said, “The citizen who never votes probably doesn’t want to feel responsible for what goes on in Washington.” Since there are also other important races on the ballot on Nov. 6, like Wisconsin’s governor and attorney general, it might also follow that non-voters don’t want to feel responsible for what laws are made here in Madison. Perhaps you don’t, but remember, you will still be held accountable to those laws and yet, when given the chance, you forfeited your chance to have your say.