It seems our lives become busier and busier by the day. Whenever an added responsibility creeps into our daily schedule, it can throw our routine out of whack.

We often wait until the last minute to cast our ballot on Election Day because of work schedules, bad weather or some other unexpected turn of events.

Voting for the primary election is Oct. 24, which falls on a Saturday. We all know how hectic weekends can be. Early voting for the primary begins today, Oct. 10, and runs through Oct. 17. Although, there is no voting Sunday.

Early voting in Bogalusa is at the Vo-Tech Building at Northshore Technical Community College-Sullivan Campus. Early voting in Franklinton is at the Washington Parish Courthouse. Early voting ballots can be cast at both locations from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Washington Parish Register of Voters Randy Strickland hit the nail on the head when he urged voters to vote early rather than wait until Election Day because life is so unpredictable.

“You don’t know if there will be bad weather, you’ll be sick or have car problems, so go vote early at one of the two locations.” Strickland said.

Throw in the fact that the Washington Parish Free Fair draws to a conclusion on Oct. 24. Nobody wants to miss any part of the fair.

Vote early and avoid the long lines and you’ll have all day to enjoy the fair.

That sounds like a win-win situation in anybody’s book. But regardless of when you decide to vote, don’t forget to do it. It’s your civic duty!