For the first and only time, both candidates in the 5th District congressional race will be in one spot later this week. Republican John McGuire and Democrat Gloria Witt will both take part in the candidate forum, held on Thursday, Oct. 17 at Hampden-Sydney College.

The two are competing to fill the seat currently held by Republican Bob Good in the U.S. House of Representatives. Both will be answering questions written by Hampden-Sydney students on Thursday, as part of the forum.

Dr. Richard Pantele, dean of students for Hampden-Sydney, will moderate the debate. Residents can sit in and watch the debate in person, as it will be held at Hampden-Sydney’s Johns Auditorium. There are one hundred seats available to the public on a first-come, first serve basis. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. and the debate will begin at 6 p.m.

VOTING IN THE DISTRICT

So how did we get to this point? Both candidates went through the primary process, but it was an extended version on the Republican side. Good refused to accept the primary results, calling for and eventually getting a recount. That didn’t help him too much. McGuire won the recount with 31,586 votes to incumbent Rep. Bob Good’s 31,216. Meanwhile on the Democratic side, Witt collected 57% of the vote in a three-way primary back in June.

Looking beyond Thursday’s forum, if you already know who you plan to vote for, you don’t have to wait until November. In-person, early voting is available for all Lunenburg County residents at the Voter Registration Office, that’s located at 160 Courthouse Square in Lunenburg. It’s open from Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Then it’s also open on two upcoming Saturdays, Oct. 26 and Nov. 2, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Ballot drop boxes will be available 24/7 at 160 Courthouse Square with drop boxes (for return of absentee by mail ballots) available at all regular polling places on Election Day, Nov. 5, from 6 a.m.-7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 25 is the deadline to apply for a ballot to be mailed to you. Requests must be received in the Voter Registration Office by 5 p.m.