Are you going to be voting today?

You've heard the lecture, you've seen the TV ads (albeit for another state) and you know today is Election Day.

Whatcha gonna do about it?

Gonna whine when "your" candidate doesn't win? Gonna complain when "the other guy" pushes through THAT proposal? Gonna protest the vote that prevents (or allows) a subdivision in your backyard?

Don't bother.

Not unless you voted, anyway.

There's no excuse, really. If you're registered, just show up at your city's city hall, tell the very nice election folks your name and get your ballot. Proceed into booth and vote.

Simple.

If you're not registered, no big. Bring along your driver's license (which you should have with you anyway since you drove to the polls) and the very nice election people will register you and hand you your ballot.

If your address has changed, bring along a picture ID and proof of residence — most folks bring in a utility bill. Go up to the very nice election people and register. Receive ballot and vote.

The only catch? You have to have lived in your city for 30 days.

Again, simple.

If you are already planning to vote (or have already voted via absentee ballot), good for you. You have a free pass to complain, praise or all of the above.

I still remember my first attempt at voting. I had just turned 18 and they had people show up to register students at my high school. I completed the paperwork and was all excited when election time came around and I got to go to the polls with my mom.

My name didn't appear on the ballot and I hadn't received my voter registration card. The not-very nice election lady wouldn't let me vote. (I know, I know, she was simply following the rules.)

I received the card in the mail the very next day.

I was not very happy.

The point is — I tried to vote.

I'll be voting today? Will you?

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee.