America has much to celebrate this July 4, but also much to do. Even after 250 years, the task of conserving the Republic given to us by our Founding Fathers is a never-ending struggle.

Fortunately, we have a wellspring of wisdom from those Founders we can tap. Thomas Jefferson, the author of our Declaration of Independence, outlined the responsibility of citizens:

“ The price of liberty is not just the blood of past Americans, but a responsibility and duty as a citizen, and a willingness by patriots to set up and do more. There are civic duties such as participation in American civil life. Not everyone is called to be a representative to a county or state, but we are all called to serve our nation where we can.”

One way we can do that: rededicate ourselves to prioritizing the importance of voting, civic involvement in local elections, and protecting the integrity of our elections.

Exercise your right to free speech or lose it. Do not be silent in the ongoing political debate on the great issues of the day, particularly on the security and integrity of elections and the need to increase transparency in our election process.

Today’s American leaders can take lessons from the bravery of the Founders by leading the debate today on the critical issues of the day – first and foremost, be bold in the persuasion of your countrymen.

Only by practicing the art of persuasion can we build a strong election process capable of persisting for another 250 years. Educate your sphere of influence on the important policy goals necessary to strengthen our voting process. Stress the fundamental importance of elections where the vote is secure and verified, and worthy of the confidence of all Americans.

Focus on the fundamentals first, then look to do more. Citizens need to ensure they are properly registered to vote, and their registration is accurate and up to date. We should be prepared to exercise their duty in voting, no matter how busy we may be.

Voting is a civic duty, a responsibility of citizenship. Your political voice and vote are a powerful tool in a constitutional republic, granting authority to your representatives. Be intentional to vote in all federal, state, and local elections.

With your vote, you are honoring the early Americans who shed the blood, sweat, and tears necessary to build this country. Voters directly honor the fallen Americans and veterans, who have served and risked everything and sometimes gave their life to maintain the freedom to vote.

If those men and women can give it all in defense of the Republic, as a citizen you can find the motivation and energy to cast a ballot like a proud American.

Get involved locally and participate in local elections. Citizens often overlook these races, but they offer one of the best ways to make a meaningful impact and see the results of your efforts. Local elections enable you to express your voice on a range of issues, including property taxes, education reforms, and election integrity, and they offer you a chance to be a part of civic life at the local level.

Another way to go the extra mile: step up and be a poll worker for your community and nation.

Because of shortages, Americans need more poll workers to facilitate the right to vote of their fellow citizens. Many veterans serve as poll workers because they again want to serve their nation and be part of something bigger than themselves.

Regardless of political party or ideology, this service is vital to the confidence in the fundamental fairness of elections. It is a small sacrifice of time and energy to do what is necessary to maintain the integrity of our election process nationwide.

To keep our Republic, go to the Election Assistance Commission’s website (eac.gov/help-america-vote) and sign up to be a poll worker and then help get the word out about the need for poll workers on August 11, which is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day.

Patriots, like the Founding Fathers, do not sit on the sideline and wait for others to shoulder the mantle of leadership when things look bleak. Patriots rise determined to do the challenging work of defending liberty for their community and for their nation.

Don’t wait for others. Get involved in the integrity of your elections today.

Liberty only survives if citizens actively maintain it. Freedom is not self-sustaining—the people must preserve it through effort and responsibility.

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Donald Palmer is a Senior Legal Fellow for Election Integrity with the Heritage Foundation.

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