November 8 will soon be here and your vote is important.

            As October ramps up, we are in a position to learn more about those seeking office.  Incumbents and challengers are making more charges against their opponents but still saying little about themselves. 

            You're telling me what's bad about your opponent, but, in addition to that, I want to know what's good about you.

            Debates can tell you much about candidates.  Their knowledge of what's right and what's wrong in government; their positions on the issues; their approach on how to solve problems; their demeanor when facing a camera, moderator, and most importantly – the public.  They can defend their past and outline their vision of the future, and so much more.  It also gives candidates the opportunity to face off with each other and present their arguments for their positions.

            And, all of this is done in front of an audience of voters.

            No debate and you run the risk of hearing and learning about a candidate's positions and qualifications from a professional publicity scribe who penned them in the back office of a campaign headquarters and spread them through an email blast or dropped them into a mailbox.  The better the writer, the better the candidate can look.  Maybe that's right or maybe it isn't.

            The Town and Country newspaper is once again inviting candidates running in the general election on Tuesday, November 8, to email, fax or mail their information for publication in our Candidates Section to be published on November 3, 2022.

            In addition to a short biography that includes the candidate's name, party affiliation and position being sought, the candidate should list any prior government-related and elected positions held.

            We encourage candidates to include educational, business, or other credentials and experiences that help to identify their qualifications for the position.

            Most importantly, the candidate should include a brief statement outlining why he or she is seeking the position and present a position statement on a timely subject that affects our state, county or community.  Information submitted should be less than 350 words.  Submissions greater than 350 words may be edited.  A photo of the candidate can also be included for publication.  The Town and Country provides the Candidates Section as a service to voters, and there is no cost for a candidate to publish information that adheres to the guidelines.

            The deadline for receiving candidate information is noon on Friday, October 28.

            Letters to the editor regarding the upcoming general election will be accepted from non-candidates until noon on October 21 for publication in the October 27 edition.

            Election-related Letters to the Editor from candidates will be accepted until noon on October 28 for publication in the November 3 edition.

            Letters should be 300 words or less, and all other letters to the editor rules will apply.

            Information can be emailed to TownAndCountry@UPVNews.com.

            The deadline for election-related advertising is Monday at noon for publication in that Thursday's edition.

            The Town and Country's General Election Guide is an opportunity for candidates to reach out to more than 24,000 readers.

            Don't just vote in the November 8^th election; know the candidates and make sure you are ready to vote.