Residents of Dare County will have the opportunity to vote on Tuesday, May 8 in the primary election for candidates in local and state contests, including the U.S. House of Representatives, North Carolina Senate, North Carolina House of Representatives, Dare County Board of Commissioners and Dare County Board of Education. The results of the primary election determine which candidates will be on the ballot in November.

The League of Women Voters of Dare County will host a reception for candidates in the primary on Sunday, April 8 from 2-4 p.m. at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head.

All candidates running in the primary have been invited. However, only those with opposition will be given a chance to speak before the entire audience. Informal discussion will take place with all candidates following the speakers.

If you are not yet registered to vote, forms may be picked up at local libraries, post offices and the Board of Elections Office in Manteo. The deadline for early one-stop voting registration is Friday, April 13 at 5 p.m. Early voting begins Thursday, April 19, at the Dare County Board of Elections Office, the Fessenden Center, Kill Devil Hills Town Hall and the Pitts Center, Southern Shores. Times at the BOE office are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from on 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 5. All other sites are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., weekdays, not Saturday.

The League of Women Voters works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership is open to both men and women. For more information, see www.LWVDareNC.org, or contact co-presidents Lorelei DiBernardo, LTD32@Charter.net or Fran Kapinos, fkapinos@aol.com.