Voting is critical.

And the Nov. 2 election to determine who will lead Virginia during the next four years is of urgent importance.

Already, early voting is underway to choose the next governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and representatives in the House of Delegates, along with constitutional officers in localities.

Richmond voters also will decide on whether they want a $565 million casino built in South Side.

This election is too important for anyone 18 and older to sit out. The results will determine whether Virginia moves forward during the next four years or goes back to a place we struggled for decades to get beyond.

Tuesday, Oct. 12, is the last day to register to vote in this election. If you have moved recently, it also is the last day to update your address to vote in this election.

Don’t let the deadlines prevent you from participating in this crucial election, particularly now that early voting in Virginia allows in-person or mail-in ballots.

Here is other important information to help you vote: Tuesday, Nov. 2: Election Day. Polls open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you want to vote early by mail: Friday, Oct. 22, by 5 p.m. is the deadline to request that an absentee ballot be mailed to you. If you return your marked ballot by mail, it must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, Nov. 2 and received by noon Friday, Nov. 5. Or it can be dropped off at your local Voter Registrar’s Office or your city’s or county’s secure drop-off location, or taken to your polling place on Election Day. Make sure a witness countersigns the ballot return envelope to prevent its rejection, a requirement that is now back in force.

If you want to vote early in person: Local Voter Registrar’s Offices have set up early voting locations. Check with your locality to find the locations, dates and times early voting is taking place. Saturday, Oct. 30, is the last day to vote early in person.

Voting in person: You will need to show your I.D. to vote or you can sign an I.D. confirmation statement to vote. According to the Virginia Department of Elections website, acceptable forms of I.D. include a Virginia DMV-issued driver’s license or I.D. card; a valid U.S. passport, employer-issued I.D. or U.S. or Virginia government-issued I.D.; any current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document with your name and address received within the last 12 months; any valid student I.D. issued by a Virginia college, university or high school; and any valid student I.D. with a photo issued by a U.S. college or university.

For more information, contact your local Voter Registrar’s Office: