Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 6, is now less than four weeks away.

Many people are saying that this mid-term election is the most important one in a very long time. Control of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives hangs in the balance on Nov. 6. There are a number of closely contested Congressional races in Pennsylvania, as well as one important U.S. Senate race, which finds incumbent Bob Casey seeking a third term.

In Pennsylvania, voters will also vote to decide the gubernatorial race between Democratic incumbent Gov. Tom Wolf and his Republican challenger Scott Wagner, as well as some State Senate races, and all the State House races.

The success of our democracy depends on citizens being informed and active participants in the political process. The opportunity to vote for our elected officials is a precious one, and it shouldn’t be taken for granted.

We’ve started publishing stories about some of the candidates involved in local races, and that will continue up through Election Day. There are numerous websites, including the League of Women Voters of Chester County, with information about candidates. Most candidates also have their own websites and Facebook pages that outline their positions on a wide variety of issues.

In the coming weeks, there will be a number of candidates’ forums and candidate debates throughout the area.

On Tuesday, Oct. 30, there will be a candidates' forum for State Rep. John Lawrence and his 13th Legislative District challenger Sue Walker at the Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford. The forum begins at 7 p.m.

On Oct. 13, the 6th District U.S. House of Representatives race between Democrat Chrissy Houlahan and Republican Greg McCauley will be spotlighted during a forum at 2 p.m. at the Hennrietta Hankin Library, 215 Windgate Drive in Chester Springs.

Candidates from throughout the area will take part in an event on Monday, Oct. 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the St. Paul's Baptist Church on Hagerty Blvd. in West Chester.

On Oct. 29, there will be a candidates' forum featuring 158th Legislative District incumbent Eric Roe and his challenger Christina Sappey at the West Bradford Municipal Building at 1385 Campus Drive in Downingtown.

It’s important for everyone who has registered to vote to get informed about the candidates and then go to support those that best reflect your values and share your views on Election Day.

SLUG: Editorial Oct. 10