Tuesday was National Voter Registration Day. Today is Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. In other words, it is a week during which Americans are asked to think a little harder about what our founders had in mind when they were signing the Constitution back in 1787, and whether we are holding up our end of the bargain.

In 2004, the late U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., (hard not to wonder what he’d have to say about the state of things these days, isn’t it?) tacked on an amendment to the omnibus spending bill that modified the law so that during the federal observance of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, publicly funded educational institutions and federal agencies are to provide educational materials regarding the history of our U.S. Constitution.

Certainly, we hope today’s teachers feel free to provide that education honestly and thoroughly.

But it is fitting that the observance comes the day after an annual effort to remind eligible voters of their responsibility to be participants — not just social media commentators.

“Voting is the cornerstone of our constitutional republic,” said West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner. “National Voter Registration Day is a great opportunity to remind West Virginians that their voice matters. Whether you’re registering for the first time or updating your information, it’s never been easier to get involved.”

In Ohio, the reason to get involved is fast-approaching, as the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 4 general election is Oct. 6; and early in-person voting begins Oct. 7.

Wherever you live, this week is a good reminder to be as educated as possible about our country and its founding documents; and then ensure you are able to be part of moving us forward by registering (or confirming your registration) to vote.

Not happy with the way our elected officials are behaving right now? Educate yourself and vote. Thrilled with them? Again, educate yourself and vote. Those are the tools we have — and we must not allow a teeny percentage of those eligible to use them to make the decisions for all of us.