As the upcoming Nov. 7 elections in Virginia draw near, it is essential that every eligible citizen exercise his or her right to vote.

The good news is that you don’t have to wait until Nov. 7 to vote. Early voting begins tomorrow, Sept. 22, and allows you to cast your ballot sooner rather than later.

While there are several reasons to vote early, some important ones include:

• Greater accessibility and convenience for voters;

• Avoiding long lines and potential scheduling conflicts;

• Mitigating unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather or personal emergencies that can arise on Election Day;

• Bragging rights. Letting friends, family members and even foes know that you’ve already voted tends to inspire and encourage them to do the same. Your active participation can serve as a catalyst for increased civic engagement within your community.

In leading by example, you can help create a culture of early voting and strengthen the democratic process.