Are you prepared to vote in the Nov. 5 election? Here's why you should be.

Yes, there is a statewide election taking place Nov. 5, and it's an important one. There are nine proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot covering diverse topics such as reverse mortgages and the state's water plan. Although none of those amendments relate directly to public education, there's a good chance your ballot will also include some important choices that will affect education in a profound way. Depending on where you live, you might be voting to elect school board members who will set local policies for your school district, approve educators' salaries and make decisions about exclusive consultation agreements. For some voters, the Nov. 5 election includes local bond proposals to fund education projects, such as building new facilities or providing laptops and other technology equipment for schools. Voters will be weighing in on property tax increases to fund education in seven school districts. There's even a special election to replace a retiring state representative in House District 50. Now that you know why this election is important to the education community, here's what you need to know about when, where and how to go vote:

• Early voting is underway now and runs through Nov. 1. There are multiple polling locations where you can cast your vote during the early voting period.
• On the day of the election, Nov. 5, you must vote in your assigned polling place.
• A new state law requires you to show proof of identification in order to vote. Visit this Web page to learn more about the voter ID requirement and the types of identification that are accepted.
• You can obtain a sample ballot and find your polling places by visiting the Secretary of State's "Voter Central" Web page.

Now, what are you waiting for? Get out there and vote!