As summer comes to an end, political season will soon be in full swing in Beaufort County ahead of the Nov. 6 general election. With the date rapidly approaching, a number of political events are scheduled in Beaufort County during the month of September, beginning with an event this Saturday.

From 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, the public is invited to attend a candidate forum at the Washington City Market, located at 532 N. Market St., Washington. The event is and will include a number of state and local candidates for office.

“We’re inviting local and state candidates to come and meet their possible constituents,” event organizer Bill Booth said. “After that, we’ll have live music, food and entertainment. I encourage citizens to get out, vote and participate in the electoral process.”

Thus far, Booth says organizers have heard back from several candidates after sending invitation letters. The event is considered nonpartisan, and voter registration will be available during the forum.

“It’s a chance to come out, meet the candidates, hear what they have to say and have some good food,” Booth said.

Upcoming dates and events

In addition to the forum at the City Market on Saturday, Booth says he will also be helping with a forum in Belhaven on Sept. 23, as well as a second forum in Washington in the weeks leading up to the election.  A number of other non-partisan events will be taking place during the months leading up to Election Day. The following are dates to keep in mind.

Sept. 17 — Voter registration drive at Beaufort County Community College

October — Washington Daily News/Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum (Date and details TBA)

Oct. 12 — Voter registration deadline for November election

Oct. 17 – Nov. 3 — Early voting period

Nov. 6 — Election Day

Republican N.C. House District 79 candidate Keith Kidwell will hold two fundraisers during the month of September. The first will take place in Belhaven at Jack’s Neck Tavern from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 6. A pancake supper fundraiser will be held the following day, Sept. 7, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Chocowinity Fire and EMS building.

The Democratic Party will open its headquarters for election season beginning on Sept. 4. The office is located at 417 Bridge St. The party will host an open house event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 7 at its office. On Sept. 20, the party will host a meet and greet at the party office with a number of local candidates from 6 to 8 p.m.

Running as a candidate for Beaufort County Sheriff, Tony Keech Jr. is seeking office as a member of the Constitution Party. On Sept. 8, Keech will host a meet and greet/fundraising event at the Bath Ruritan Building. The event will include hotdogs and hamburgers, and donations will be accepted.

To share upcoming political events in the community calendar section of the Washington Daily News, email news@thewashingtondailynews.com.