Leaders of both major political parties agree on one thing: The presidential election Tuesday is among the most important in American history. Its outcome will shape our government, economy, even our society for many years to come. Your life and that of your children and grandchildren will be affected profoundly.

Don’t you want to have a say in the matter?

To judge by voter turnouts in previous elections, a number of your friends, family members, co-workers and neighbors simply do not bother to vote.

Despite the COVID-19 epidemic, the nation cannot afford such apathy this year. Absentee voting by mail, early voting in person and Election Day voting Tuesday provide many options to ensure your voice is heard.

Early reports indicate many have taken advantage of the first two options; some states may be looking at record turnout based on early voting. Perhaps you have voted already.

But what about others you know, perhaps even in your own family or circle of friends? Are they as engaged as you are?

If not, encourage them to make a difference by voting. Offer to help, perhaps even to drive them to their polling site Tuesday.

Early voting still can be done today as well. Absentee ballots still can be dropped off today and Tuesday — mailing, however, no longer will work to get them in on time. And, of course, in-person voting will take place election day Tuesday.

How you vote is important, of course. But more critical in the long run is whether you participate in the election.

Our form of government — of, by and for the people — can endure only if we Americans are part of it. If we do not use the most effective tool at our disposal — the ballot — to get the kind of government we want, we will not get it. It is that simple.

Vote, then, and spread the word about how important it is to do so. You can make a difference there as well.