The first time I voted it was by absentee ballot. It was 2004 and I was studying abroad. In between semesters, when I’d been back home in the States, I’d watched the debates between presidential candidates, and I was excited to finally be able to participate in our democratic process by voting in the presidential primaries. I knew my candidate wouldn’t become the nominee, but it was exciting to know that my vote was being recorded and counted.

Tonight, Vice President Joe Biden and Representative Paul Ryan square off in the vice presidential debate, but that isn’t the only important election related issue to think about today. Now is also the time to learn about early voting options in your state or request an absentee ballot if you or your loved ones won’t be able to vote in person on Election Day.