Meet the 2019 Mid-Columbia candidates at forums beginning tonight

The nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Benton and Franklin Counties kicks off a weeklong series of forums for candidates for election in the Mid-Columbia starting tonight in Benton City.

The events are free and the public is welcome to attend and submit questions.

Ballots for the Nov. 5 general election will be mailed Oct. 18. The deadline for mail-in and online voter registration is Oct. 28. The deadline for in-person registration at your county courthouse is election day.

Ballots must be returned or postmarked by election day.

Tri-City Herald online readers can view sample ballots for Benton and Franklin counties at the bottom of this column.

Benton City: 6 p.m., Oct. 3, Community Center, 510 Eighth St. Candidates for Benton City City Council.

Richland: 6 p .m., Oct. 7, Richland library, 955 Northgate Drive. Candidates for Richland School Board, Richland City Council, West Richland City Council and Port of Benton Commission.

Pasco: 6 p.m., Oct. 8, Pasco Police Training Center, 204 W. Clark St. Candidates for Pasco City Council and Pasco School Board.

Kennewick: 6 p.m., Oct. 10, Tri-Tech Skills Center, 5929 W. Metaline Ave. Candidates for Kennewick School Board, Kennewick City Council and Port of Kennewick Commission.