Turning eighteen comes with a lot of responsibilities and privileges. One can buy a pack of cigarettes, officially move out of his or her parents’ home, and even join the army. But one which is extremely important, even more than some of those listed, is the right to vote.

As a democracy, the United States government grants its citizens the right to vote for its leaders. This is something that has gone back all the way to 1776 in the United States, and far before that in other places in the world. But while voting has a long history to it in certain places, the practice is not global.

True fair voting is actually scarce around the world. What comes to mind is Cuba, for instance, where one can’t vote at all. There are countries such as China and Iran where even if one can vote, his or her vote has no say. This is why voting is not only a right, but a privilege. It’s a token of the country’s democracy, and the freedom United States citizens have which is unique to the United States (and other democracies).

If one plans on exercising his or her democratic right of voting, he or she is going to need to know how. This is something that confuses a lot of people, even to the point where they don’t even vote because they don’t know how, but it’s actually pretty easy.

Before one actually votes, he or she will need to register and know if he or she meets the requirements. To vote in the presidential election, one must be a U.S. Citizen, of age 18 by the election day of Nov. 8, and must live in his or her election precinct at least 30 days prior to the election.

Now to actually register, the easiest way is online by Oct. 23. At this website, one must follow all of the steps that the website prompts you to do, and will be registered instantly.

One can also register to vote through the mail, by either printing out a copy of the voter registration form at this link or by picking up the form at your local State Board of Election’s office by Oct. 11.

Once registered, it’s time to vote which is the easiest part.

Election day is Nov. 8, and polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and one is able to register in person on election day. All one needs to do is go to his or her local polling location and vote.