Elections are coming! On November 7, we'll have a chance to elect mayors, city councils, school boards, water boards, and boards of trustees.

It’s easy to focus on national races, even races that occur in other states, because they get national news coverage. But it's also easy to forget how important local elections are until a local issue grabs national attention, such as the one we saw recently with the Tyson plant.

This is why local elections are important. They allow you to have a say in how your city is run, especially in how your tax dollars are spent. The officials who are elected help decide local laws, so it’s really important to choose a person who best represents your interests and values. It's always easier to prevent a crisis by making sure the right people are in office than try to respond after the damage is done.

Between now and Election Day, here's your citizen homework:

• Research the issues and candidates, and decide who you'll vote for
• Make a plan to vote. Do you know where your voting location is? Will you go on the Election Day? Will you take advantage of in-person, advance voting?
• Share what you've learned. Discuss the election with your friends, families, co-workers, and neighbors to make sure they know what's at stake and how they can make their voices heard.

Don't worry - we made you a cheat sheet. Here is Indivisible KC's Voter's Guide for Kansas.

Vote! Not just a right, it's a darn good idea.