Mark your calendars, important dates to know before the November election

For the first time in a generation, the 6th district of Virginia will choose a new congressional representative. As the November 6 election nears, there are key dates and deadlines voters should be aware of. 

Residents of Virginia's 6th district will vote for their congressional representative, either the Democratic nominee, Jennifer Lewis, or the Republican nominee, Del. Ben Cline R-24.

More:Ben Cline and Jennifer Lewis campaign for the 6th district congressional seat

The candidates emerged when Rep. Bob Goodlatte announced he would retire after representing the 6th district since 1993, according to ballotpedia. 

They will also have the chance to vote in the Virginia Senate race for either Democratic incumbent Tim Kaine, Republican nominee Corey Stewart or the Libertarian candidate Matt Waters. 

Important dates 

The 6th district congressional candidates, Jennifer Lewis and Del. Ben Cline R-24, had their first debate Monday at Spotswood high school. 

More:Social Security, immigration reform, discussed between Cline and Lewis at first debate

The candidates plan to participate in an additional debate at the Lynchburg Regional Businesses Alliance Forum on Oct. 22.

More:Lewis campaign confirms second debate with Del. Ben Cline, third location has not been decided.

The community group RISE in Waynesboro will host Lewis at its debate forum Sept. 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Waynesboro High School auditorium. Cline was invited to the event but won't be attending. 

Educational events 

On Oct. 9, the Augusta County Library’s Fishersville location will provide a drop-in opportunity to speak with the county’s General Registrar, Constance Messick. She will be available from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to help individuals register to vote and learn about important election information

On Oct. 23 at 6 p.m., Dr. Bobby Gentry from Bridgewater College will be at the library talk about elections laws, requirements and differences between states.

Registering to vote 

You can't vote if you don't register. Individuals can begin to register to vote when they are 18 years old, or if they are 17 years old and will be 18 when the next general election takes place. 

The deadline to register to vote also applies to updating your voter registration address, according to the Virginia Department Elections. 

Registration and updating your address for the general election must be done by Monday, Oct. 15. 

Where do I register? 

There are many ways to register to vote. Here are your options: 

• Online Registration
• Local voter registration office
  • Staunton - City Hall, 1st Floor (turn right at Beverley Street entrance)
  • Waynesboro - 250 S. Wayne Ave., Suite 205
  • Augusta County - 18 Government Center Lane in Verona 
• Download a PDF copy of the registration form
• State or local government offices when applying or re-certifying for Aid to Dependent Children, Food Stamps, WIC, Medicaid, or Rehabilitation Services
• Government offices in the State that provide State-funded programs primarily engaged in providing services to person with disabilities
• Armed forces recruitment offices
• Public libraries
• Virginia Department of Elections office
• Department of Motor Vehicles offices
• Voter Registration Drives

Absentee ballots 

Are you living in Virginia temporarily? Are you an out-of-state Mary Baldwin University student? You may need to opt for an absentee ballot to vote for representatives in your home district. 

Visit your local government's website, or give them a call, to find out how to register for an absentee ballot and when the deadline is for your specific locality. 

If you can not make it to your polling place on Election Day, but need to vote in the Virginia election, there are some key dates to take note of. 

The Virginia deadline to request an absentee ballot to be mailed to you is Tuesday, Oct. 30. Your request must be received by your Registrar by 5 p.m.

The Virginia deadline to vote an absentee ballot in-person is Saturday, Nov. 3. It's important to check with your registrar for office hours.