The Republican National Convention began Monday. The Democrats held their quadrennial party (albeit virtually) last week. COVID-19, the economy, unemployment, racial tension; this year’s presidential election is fraught with exceptional challenges for President Donald Trump and challenger Joe Biden.

But no matter which party you belong to or which candidate you support, there is one thing every adult American must do in November.

Vote.

Sure, some may say “my vote doesn’t count.” But look at what happened in presidential elections in 2016 and 2000, where a shift in votes in certain areas of the country could have changed the results.

Compared with other countries, our voter turnout in nationwide elections is abysmal.

Around 138 million Americans voted in the 2016 presidential election. That’s only 58 percent of our voting-eligible population.

In Pennsylvania, an estimated 61.3 percent of eligible voters cast ballots.

This percentage is even more stark when compared to voter turnout in other developed countries in recent general elections.

During their most-recent national elections, the percentage of those voting was: Belgium 87, Sweden 83, South Korea 78, Israel 76.

Why don’t Americans vote?

Millions can vote and yet choose not to. Their reasons are vast: Some are apathetic or too busy. Others don’t like their choices, they don’t think their vote matters, they think the system is corrupt or they don’t think they know enough to vote.

Studies show the unregistered are more likely to say they do not vote because they dislike politics or believe voting will not make a difference, while people who are registered but vote infrequently say they do not vote more often because they are not informed enough about the candidates or issues.

The deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania is Oct. 19.

The presidential election is just over two months away.

We are just 69 days away from Nov. 3 and, arguably, the most important election of our lifetimes.

Whether it is Trump or Biden, the man we elect will face some of the greatest challenges ever faced by an American president.

It’s your country. Take the time to have a say in how it moves forward. It’s your duty and privilege.

Vote.

— JGG