Every November when Election Day rolls around, we’re bombarded by reminders that it’s time to exercise our right to vote. We live in a country where we are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to voice our approval or disapproval of public officials and government actions at many levels.

Tuesday is a general election day in Ohio. Many of the issues on the ballot (194 of them) center around school tax issues, ranging from asking voters to increase taxes to replacing existing levies.

Like the 2011 election, local school districts are asking voters to help pick up the slack where funds from other sources fail to measure up.

With this in mind, it’s important to choose wisely when heading to the polls. While we encourage voting, we would like to emphasize responsible voting. If you choose to hit the ballot box Tuesday, make sure you take the time beforehand to educate yourself.

Your vote does count, and which box you check makes a real difference in your community, especially to local schools. If you choose to vote, learn the issues and understand how they will affect you and your county.

If you’re an out-of-town student not paying taxes and with no real ties to local schools, it’s important to think before you vote to make a decision on what happens to those who will pay and receive these taxes and levies.

Of course, if this election is important to you and you have seriously considered the issues, absolutely cast your vote. Our freedom to vote comes with the responsibility to vote intelligently.

The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board.