“VOTE.”

It’s one of the most powerful four-letter words in the world.

A vote can topple dictatorships. End wars. Provide food, clothing, shelter and healthcare for humanity.

In that great Declaration of Independence the founders of our country pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. All you’re being asked to do is vote.

How hard can it be? You have from now through Election Day on Nov. 3.

Vote. Even if the lines are long.

Vote. Even if you don’t like every candidate on the ballot and hate all the commercials.

Vote. Even if every issue doesn’t affect you. It will affect someone you love.

Voting is a sacred right denied to many in this world. The right to vote is the foundation of freedom, a brick in the wall to fortify democracy.

If you don’t vote, then don’t complain. If you don’t vote, you’re letting everyone else determine your future, to decide how much property tax you are going to pay every year, how much tax will be added on every item you buy and what kind of schools, safety services and justice you’ll get in your community.

If you don’t vote, you surrender to others the best interests and the highest good of your community. In every election, the future of your community is at stake. The future of your kids is at stake.

How to vote? Many people simply vote to protect what’s in their own wallet, bank account or 401(k).

My dad taught me better. Vote for others. Vote for your neighbors. Vote for your community.

Vote for veterans. Vote for the disabled.

Vote for your children and grandchildren. What kind of world do you want to leave them?

Vote for your neighbors, for the farmers, teachers, blue collar workers, working families and small business owners.

Vote for public safety, for police, fire and paramedics.

Vote for transparency, honesty and integrity.

Vote for libraries, schools and universities.

Vote for the elderly who need protection and services to stay safe and independent.

Vote for those who need mental healthcare services to keep them and others safe.

Vote for the poor, to ease their financial burden, to keep food on their table, so their children don’t go to bed hungry.

Vote for the planet, for the environment, for clean energy, clean air, clean water.

Vote for education, for pre-K students to PhDs.

Vote for human rights and civil rights for all.

Vote to protect the rights and freedom of women, LGBTQ+, people of color and other marginalized groups.

Vote to protect children from neglect and abuse.

Vote for a better future for everyone, not just you. Vote from a place of hope, not despair. Vote out of love, not out of fear. Vote out of compassion, not out of anger. Vote as if lives are at stake, because they are.

Not sure how to vote on all those issues and judges? Do your research. Democracy depends on you. Get a sample ballot before you vote at OhioSOS.gov or from the Board of Elections. You can also head to the League of Women Voters for one-stop-shopping at Vote411.org. Read about issues and candidates at clevelandjewishnews.com/elections.

If you’re confused over all those judges, head to Judge4Yourself.com and read how they were ranked by five local bar associations. You can also vote right now at your county board of elections, or wait until Election Day on Nov. 3. Polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bring an unexpired valid photo ID. The Franklin County Board of Election (franklincountyohio.gov) says you need only provide one of these:

An Ohio driver’s license. It must be the actual license. A digital ID from your Apple Wallet or a screenshot is not an acceptable form of photo ID. A State ID card. An interim ID issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. A U.S. passport or passport card for voting. A U.S. military ID card (including a military dependent ID card), Ohio National Guard ID card, or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card (that includes the voter’s name and photograph).

You can also call 614-525-3100 for any questions and for the hours you can vote every day from now through Election Day.

You can visit VoteOhio.gov – run by the Secretary of State – to check your registration status, find out where to vote and track your ballot after you voted.

If you already voted or plan to, thank you for pumping fuel into the engine of democracy.

And if you’re thinking of not voting, remember:

If you don’t vote, someone else will. And you don’t get to complain about how they voted.