Portia Williams

PDT Staff Writer

The 14th Street Center in Portsmouth will host, “Meet the Candidates” Tuesday, Oct. 9. Doors will open at 10 a.m., with activities running up until 9 p.m.

The 14th Street Community Center is extending an invitation to the local community to attend the event at the center.

Maxine Malone, Executive Director of the 14th Street Community Center, said the purpose of the event is to mobilize the community by encouraging them to get out and vote.

“We want to motivate the people to get out and vote, but to also cast an intelligent vote,” Malone said.

Malone said that it is not enough for people to just vote, but that with each vote, the voter is fully aware of the platforms of the candidates, and the information for each issue on the ballots.

Eligible voters will be able to register to vote, as well as cast their vote early.

Attendees will be given the opportunity to interact with the candidates and hear their opinions and views between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

According to Dr. John Valentine, Treasurer of the 14th Street Community Center, all candidates from both the Republican and Democratic parties have been invited to attend the event.

“We are putting out invitations for candidates to come out and make a presentation. They can bring literature and information pertaining to their campaign,” Valentine said. “It is an opportunity for candidates to talk about what they would bring to society county, and to be sure that everyone that is eligible, is registered to vote. It is the one day of the year that people can register and vote on the same day.”

Food, soft drinks, and music will be furnished for the event, which will include, pizza, hot dogs, live blues.

Recreational activities and games will be made readily available for voters with children.

Portia Williams may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 234 or portiawilliams@heartlandpublications.com