Special efforts in Lawrence are urging young people and members of the local homeless community to register to vote.

How about you? Are you registered?

Less than a week remains to get registered to vote in the Aug. 3 primary. The voting books close Monday for the primary election, after which they will reopen for registration for the November general election.

Local voters will decide some important races in the primary election. In several cases, incumbents in the Kansas Legislature are being challenged by someone else in their own party. In the Kansas House 45th District, two Republicans are the only two candidates who have filed, so the primary almost certainly will decide whether Rep. Tom Sloan returns to the House or is replaced by Keith Noe of Lecompton.

Registration is quick and easy and can be completed at many locations in the county. The Douglas County Clerk’s main office in the county courthouse will be open until 9 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Monday to accommodate registration. A registration application even can be downloaded from the clerk’s Web site and submitting by mail.

Getting voters registered and to the polls is important, but it should be remembered that the best voters are those who have studied the issues and are knowledgeable about the candidates. Voting is the most important duty of any American citizen. Get registered; get informed. Don’t be left out.