Group to host candidate forums throughout month

By CAITLIN SULLIVAN/Staff

Although more than 33,000 Washington County residents are registered to vote, not many usually turn out on Election Day.

According to the Washington County Voter Registration Office, more people vote during presidential elections. Fewer choose to cast a ballot during local elections like the one coming up on Nov. 6. Only 32 percent of county registered voters actually turned out at the polls for the last like-election held in 2003.

League of Women Voters member Sara Combs hopes to change that.

In the coming weeks, the local League chapter has scheduled candidate forums in the hopes of increasing voter interest in the election. 

Four public forums are scheduled throughout the county for candidates in contested races to meet and answer questions.

“It’s not going to be a debate,” Combs said. “Each candidate will be asked the same question and given the same amount of time to answer.”

She said the League compiled a list of questions about current issues relating to each office but audience members can ask questions too. She said if people arrive about 10 minutes early to the forum, they can write a question on an index card and the moderator will ask the question.

The question-and-answer portion of the evening will last about an hour. A 30-minute reception will follow to give an opportunity for candidates and voters to meet and mingle.

“The forums provides firsthand information about candidates,” Combs said. “You can get to know their personality and character from a first hand meeting so voters can cast an informed vote on Election Day.”

Upcoming Candidate Forums:
Oct. 11, 7 p.m.
Candidates for the House of Delegates District 1
Mendota Public Library

Oct. 16, 7 p.m.
District D Board of Supervisors and School Board Members
Meadowview Elementary School

Oct. 18, 7 p.m.
District C Board of Supervisors and School Board Members
Washington County Public Library, Abingdon

Oct. 23, 7p.m.
Clerk of the Court, Sheriff, Commission of Revenue
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abingdon