Mark your calendar and save the dates: Aug. 2 and Nov. 8.

Elections are coming, and the League of Women Voters is here to help you learn all you need to know about candidates and issues.

Forums will be held beginning the week of July 11.

Voters need to pay close attention to both elections. The August primary election requires you to only vote within one political party. You will spoil your ballot if you select a Democratic candidate and a Republican candidate. That is frustrating for many voters (myself included!). But, in a primary election, we choose a candidate to advance to the general election.

During the November general election, you may choose any candidate, without restrictions to political party.

The League of Women Voters of Northeast Michigan will be holding candidate forums in July for local races for the primary election. Forums are only held if the race is contested. That means there will only be a primary candidate forum if more than one candidate within a party seeks their party’s nomination.

The general election forums will be held for all contested races in October.

The July forums will include Republican candidates for Alpena County clerk and state representative for the 106th state House district (no Democratic races are contested).

In addition to meeting the candidates, we will examine the responsibilities of the positions. For example: the county clerk is the chief election officer of the county, clerk of the county board of canvassers, and clerk of the county board of commissioners, among many other duties.

In Alpena County, the county Board of Commissioners is made up of representatives from eight districts covering all of Alpena County. Each district elects its own commissioner to a two-year term.

That board is responsible for, among other things, the county budget, building maintenance, the county Sheriff’s Office, and personnel. Their responsibilities are wide-ranging and important.

The LWV-sponsored forums for Alcona County and Presque Isle County will include the candidates who are opposed in their county commissioner districts.

We must learn about the candidates seeking those positions and vote accordingly.

You are invited to attend the candidate forums for Alpena, Alcona, and Presque Isle counties starting the week of July 11, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Northeast Michigan. Look for upcoming announcements.

This is your chance to be an informed citizen.

Doris Feys is president of the League of Women Voters of Northeast Michigan.