In the period of time between midterms and finals, there is a monumental decision Americans will make. On the evening of Tuesday, November 8, 2016, the United States will elect a new president to take office on Friday, January 20, 2017.

Over the past 18 months or so, it has been difficult to escape coverage of the presidential candidates, leading to more and more individuals having strong opinions on the front-runners of each political party. But, what good are those opinions if people do not vote?

Keep in mind the deadline to register is Tuesday, October 18, 2016.

Some Helpful Websites

One of the most common reasons for young adults not registering is lack of knowledge of the process. This is why Rock the Vote was created.

Rock the Vote is a hub of information pertaining to voting and is intended for young adults. It is nonprofit and nonpartisan, which means Rock the Vote does not try to swindle votes from people for one party's agenda. People can visit the site without being influenced towards a particular candidate, Democratic, Republican or Independent.

The website simplistically offers a voter registration form. On the homepage, there is a section in which a person can provide the following information: first and last name, email and residing state. The website will redirect the webpage to the correct registration form. After spending a few minutes filling it out, an individual can walk away proudly as he/she has just taken the first step in having their voice heard on Election Day.

Rock the Vote also provides individuals the means to find out if they are already registered, where and how to vote, the absentee voting process and up-to-date news articles and polls. People can also see a list of celebrities who endorse Rock the Vote's message or purchase Rock the Vote garb.

The New Jersey Division of Elections (NJDE) is another website that can be of use during election season.

The full voting process is laid out, guiding voters and potential voters to the information they wish to acquire. The website covers categories such as voter registration and voting, and information on the candidates, counties and election. There is even a section for documents frequently downloaded, making it that much easier to obtain the following forms: register to vote, absentee ballot and declaring a political affiliation.

NJDE's website has a large patriotic-colored button that reads "Am I Registered?" for those unsure if they are or are not registered. Simply click on it, enter the required information and in less than one minute an individual will know if he or she is a registered to vote.

A voter not sure if he or she is eligible to cast a ballot on Election Day? There is a "Where do I vote" button that voters click, provide the necessary information and will then be informed the exact locations available to them.

It can be confusing at this point in the election process, as information and dates being hurled at voters becomes muddled. The NJDE realizes this and has taken steps to clearly and concisely outline everything dealing with the election and voting. On the website, there is a section that lists all important dates such as when each form is due and when the polls will be open on the second Tuesday in November.

Not only will Americans be voting for the next president and vice president duo, but also candidates running for local office. Make sure to check out who else will be on the ballot because the local elects will be the ones to directly affect voters' lives. Candidates running for local office can be found on NJDE's website and each town's individual website.

Debates

The best way for a voter to determine which candidate most fittingly represents the voter's beliefs is to watch the debates. There are a total of four election debates, which will be simulcasted on network television and most news stations. The live debates will air:

• First Presidential Debate: Monday, September 26, 2016, from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Vice Presidential Debate: Tuesday, October 4, 2016, from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Second Presidential Debate: Sunday, October 9, 2016, from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Final Presidential Debate: Wednesday, October 19, 2016, from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

As cliché as it sounds, every vote does count. Voters may not directly witness their effect on the election, but this election has the potential to come down to a handful of votes.

Mark Tuesday, November 8, 2016, on the calendar because this is the day voters’ voices will be heard.