Our civic duty

Nearly 20 million Californians are registered to vote in Tuesday’s election, a record for the state.

National data show the same pattern, and early voting data suggest unusually high turnout among traditionally hard-to-reach demographics, like voters ages 18 to 29.

These numbers are excellent news for a country that consistently trails other developed nations in voter participation.

Full participation is essential for the proper functioning of democracy. Higher turnout also leads to the election of candidates who are more representative of the general public and enjoy greater public trust as a result.

The interest in this year’s election shows that voters feel like the political stakes for participation are particularly high. They’re correct. This is the opportunity for each of us to do something about the issues we care about, from local to global, from homelessness and gas taxes to climate change and health care.

High voter turnout is also a positive statement about the country’s future — and one that’s particularly welcome after an ugly midterm campaign marked by aggressive new voting restrictions, divisive rhetoric and a startling level of violence.

The sole danger of touting the early success of get-out-the-vote efforts is the potential for latebreaking voters to lose their sense of urgency.

If everyone else is voting, it’s easy to be tempted into thinking your vote will matter less.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Having a stake in the political system requires all of us to show up. Many races, even in California, are expected to be competitive all the way to the end. So if you haven’t yet cast a ballot, do so on Tuesday. Sitting this one out simply means leaving your future in someone else’s hands.