Does your bucket list for this year include voting in the November election? An answer to that question may be contained in the following quotation by Louis L’Amour: “One who does not vote has no right to complain.”

Recently there has been considerable discussion related to the public having a chance to share thoughts and ideas with community leaders and city staffs. These opportunities for participation come in many forms, such as Letters to the editor, public comment at City Council and city Commission meetings, roundtable discussions, Town Hall forums and even Virtual Town Hall discussions.

Often citizens feel that it is better to abstain from discussions rather than participate in a civic dialog. Nevertheless, this avoidance of meaningful exchanges is not beneficial to the democratic process.

With all this in mind, perhaps we should not practice abstention but rather share our opinions with others. Remember, choosing not to communicate is still a form of communicating.

This November election offers a chance to indicate our likes, dislikes and beliefs at the ballot box. You may specify your political affiliation, endorse candidates and propositions; however, your vote is still your secret to preserve.

Once you have received your ballot and have made your voting decisions, you can either drop it in a ballot drop box (no postage required) or in the U.S. mail with the correct amount of postage, but do remember to sign and date your ballot. Ballot drop boxes are located at the Issaquah and Sammamish City Halls. The ballot drop boxes will be open 24 hours a day beginning Oct. 20 and will close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, election day.

The deadline for mailing your ballot requires it to be postmarked no later than Nov. 8.

If you are not yet registered to vote, you can still register in person by Oct. 31.

If you are a registered voter — whether you are 18 or 81 — cast your ballot and take pride in your civic achievement. Voting is both a constitutional right and a personal privilege. Do your duty and take delight that you voiced your choice by voting in this year’s election.

Sammamish resident Larry Crandall is a retired educator who currently serves on the city’s Planning Commission.