It’s sneaking up on us a bit this spring, but another Election Day is closer than we might think. May 2 is Ohio’s primary and special elections date — and in many parts of the state, they will be the kinds of votes that have much more impact on residents’ day-to-day lives than those big ones we love turning out for every four years.

A person cannot vote if he or she is not registered, however, and the deadline to do so is even closer. Monday, April 3, is the deadline to register to vote. Early voting begins Tuesday.

There are plenty of ways to register. VoteOhio.gov offers a convenient online option, though paper forms can still be found at public libraries, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and some other locations.

While you’re at VoteOhio.gov, you can look up your voter registration, too, and determine whether you need to update it. A registered voter can request an absentee ballot there. And, of course, the 2023 voting schedule is readily available. (Military and overseas voting for the May 2 election already has begun).

If you’d rather vote in person, remember a current valid photo ID now is required to vote in the Buckeye State.

Though there may be fewer headline-grabbing races to consider in May, remember, pitiful voter turnout means only a very small percentage of a population ends up making decisions for entire communities. Don’t let that happen, folks.

Head to VoteOhio.gov, make sure your registration is up-to-date — or register, if necessary — and be prepared for May 2. Then, when the time comes, vote!