By Alex Koplin

Here’s a question for you. Do you know when our next borough and city elections are?

If you know the answer, you most likely are in the minority. (The average voter turnout for our last six borough/city elections has been a little under 24%. So, if you do know the date, congratulations!)

Knowing the date is one thing, but there are still more questions to be answered before you even decide who you are going to vote for. For example, are you registered to vote? Do you know if your registration is correct? Do you know where your polling station is? Do you know if you are going to go to the polls to vote, or will you vote early, or absentee? If you are reading this, but live in another state, can you answer these questions?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions, here are two websites that can help.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Elections website is www.kpb.us/assembly-clerk/elections/election-information or call them at 907-714-2160. You can register to vote or update your voter information, especially if you have moved, at the Alaska Division of Elections at www.elections.alaska.gov/Core/AKvoterinformation.php or call them at 907-465-4611. You can also reach us at Kenai Peninsula Votes on Facebook and ask us any question and we will be happy to help.

Our next election is Oct. 5. The ballot for this election has not been completed yet, because candidates and ballot propositions are still being sorted out, and filing deadlines aren’t until mid-August.

So don’t procrastinate! Start the process to vote today! If you take care of the basics now, you will have more time to educate yourself about the candidates and ballot issues. The last day to register to vote for the Oct. 5 election is Sept. 5. You need to be registered to vote 30 days before the election.

Remember, every vote counts, and every voice needs to be heard!

Alex Koplin is a founding member of Kenai Peninsula Votes.