The League of Women Voters of Whidbey Island is gearing up for one of the most unusual election years, according to League board member Mendy McLean-Stone.

With many offices open there are more primary candidates than usual and in-person forums would violate Island County’s Phase 3 stay safe guidelines, McLean-Stone said.

With the help of Sno-Isle Regional Libraries, the League’s candidate forums are going virtual.

“We are excited to explore this new way of connecting with voters and believe that it may make the forums more easily accessible for many,” McLean-Stone said. “Attending is just a mouse click away.”

The forums will be held on Zoom, an online gathering place, and have space for 500 attendees.

The link is on the League website at lwvwhidbey.org

The following forums are scheduled:

• 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, July 20: County commissioner districts 1 and 2;

• 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 21: Legislative District 10, state representative positions 1 and 2, state Senate;

• 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 22: Congressional district 2, U.S. representative.

The Zoom link will be available two hours before the meeting on the website.

If you are unable to attend, the forums will be recorded and available for viewing on our website. Additional, non-partisan, information about the candidates and voting procedures can be found at the League sponsored website, vote411.org

Washington state does all its voting by mail, so it is important to be sure your registration is up to date with your current mailing address, said McLean-Stone. If you have moved, turned 18, changed your name, or are a new resident of the state, you may not receive your ballot if you have not registered or updated your registration.

You can go to www.sos.wa.gov/elections/auditors.aspx# to make these adjustments.

Your vote is your voice,” said McLean-Stone. “Speak up. Our Democracy depends on it.”