This Op-Ed was written and submitted by Cillie King and Teresa Briggs, co-presidents of League of Women Voters of Kansas.

Your vote is your voice! Democracy only works if citizens engage in the process. Complaining or not voting as a “protest” doesn’t work. If you think politicians don’t listen, remember that when you vote is one time they are sure to hear you. Here are some helpful voting tips:

Learn about the Candidates – Read the newspaper, go to candidate forums, or watch forums on television. Find out your polling place, candidates’ names and their answers to important topics at VOTE411.org. League of Women Voters of Kansas is providing this information to help educate voters across the state about candidates’ positions on the issues.

Have Your Photo ID – Have in your possession a government issued photo ID when you go to the polls. All IDs must have first and last name and photo. IDs do NOT have to have the voters’ current address. Persons age 65 or older may use an expired photo ID. To get a free Kansas photo ID, go to http://www.gotvoterid.com/.

Acceptable Photo IDs include: Driver’s license or nondriver’s ID card, concealed carry license, U.S. passport, Kansas municipal, county, state, or federal government employee ID, U.S. military ID, KS public school or higher education institution student or employee ID, accredited postsecondary private institution student ID, government public assistance ID card, and American Indian ID card.

If you registered to vote online – Take a print-out or screen shot of your registration confirmation with you to the polls. Provisional Ballots – If you have trouble at the polls, ask for a provisional ballot and follow up with your County Election Office to solve the problem within three days.

Advance Voting – Early voting has started in most counties in Kansas. Call your County Election Office for dates and times.

Mail-in Ballots – Call your County Election Office to request a mail-in ballot. Return postage is paid for in some counties, or you can hand-carry it in. Unless you are disabled, you need to apply for a mail-in ballot for every election.

You must submit this ballot to your County Election Office or your polling place by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 6. Or your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day and received in your County Election Office by the Friday after the election.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day Nov. 6. If you need a ride to the polls, both political parties and other organizations offer transportation.

Call the League of Women Voters of Kansas, 785-234-5152, about any questions you might have about voting.