The 2020 elections are now behind us, and it is time for the wheels of democracy to churn on.

2021 will be a hugely important year, with very meaningful elections at the local level occurring, including for many local and statewide positions.

That being said, vote by mail will continue this year, and into the foreseeable future.

Here is what you should know.

First, if you applied to be on the permanent vote by mail list, you will receive your application to vote by mail at some point in February.

To be clear, this is not the ballot - just the application.

In order to get your ballot, follow the instructions and fill out the request.

You can also fill out the request online at votespa.com.

The ballot itself will be mailed to you no later than May 4.

All you have to do is fill out the ballot, put it in the mail or drop it off at the Lehigh County Government Center.

Want to vote in person this year?

No worries, you absolutely can.

Just ignore the application and go to the polls on Election Day.

If you do request a ballot and change your mind, you must physically surrender your ballot at the polling place.

Regardless of how you vote, please remember to vote in the upcoming Primary, which will be held on May 18.

The term “off year” elections is an awful one.

The positions that will be elected in the 2021 election have major importance for your lives, impacting your schools, local government and court system.

As always a functioning democracy depends on you!

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Editor’s note: Mike Schlossberg is the state representative for the 132nd Legislative District and House Democratic Caucus Administrator. The 132nd Legislative District includes: Allentown’s Ward 6-2; Wards 8-3, 8-4, 8-5, 8-6 and 8-7; Wards 10-3 and 10-4; Wards 11-3, 11-4, 11-5, 11-6 and 11-7; Wards 13-1, 13-2, 13-3 and 13-4; Ward 14-1; Wards 15-1, 15-2, 15-3 and 15-4; Ward 17 (1, 2, 3, 4, 4P); and Wards 18 (1, 2, 2P) and in South Whitehall, Wards 1, 2 and 7.