With early voting in the 2018 elections kicking off Oct. 17, Beaufort County residents may be curious to learn more about the candidates for state and local office whose names will appear on this year’s ballot.

On Monday, Oct. 15, the local electorate will have just such an opportunity, as the Washington Daily News and the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals host their annual candidate forum at Beaufort County Community College.

The purpose of the event is simple, yet important: to educate the public on political views of each candidate so they can make an informed decision as they go to the polls.

“We have always felt strongly that everybody should be educated on the people they vote for and how they feel about certain issues in our county,” WBCC President Catherine Glover said of her organization’s longstanding involvement.

Among those invited to the forum are candidates for N.C. House, N.C. Senate, the Beaufort County Board of Commissioners, Beaufort County Sheriff and District Court Judge.

As to the format of the event, candidates will have an opportunity to introduce themselves and provide an overview of their platform and campaign. Candidates will then be asked a variety of questions prepared in advance by the Washington Daily News and the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals. Kellie Hopkins, director of the Beaufort County Board of Elections, will serve as moderator for the event.

“For at least the past two forums, we’ve had a partnership with our Young Professionals, because we feel like they have a good insight into what they would like to see for the future of the community,” Glover said. “The Chamber and the Daily News are proud to partner to present a neutral, non-partisan forum for the community to get better acquainted with the candidates.

The forum will begin at 6 p.m. Oct. 15 in the auditorium of Building 8 on the BCCC campus. The public is encouraged to attend.