This is an important election year with an exciting race for mayor and all West Maui seats on the ballot.

If you want to vote in the Nov. 6 General Election, you must be registered by Oct. 8.

Maui County Clerk Danny Mateo will visit the West Side on Tuesday, Oct. 2, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at a mayoral Candidate Forum at the Royal Lahaina Resort to register new permanent residents and new voters 18 and older who have not yet registered. He also will have mail absentee applications available.

“This is a good opportunity for those who have found it difficult to register… and meet mayoral candidates,” said Heidi Dollinger, president of the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset, which is sponsoring the forum.

Those attending will be able to hear Elle Cochran and Mike Victorino, candidates for mayor, present their views on the issues most important to West Maui.

“Maui has one of the lowest voter turnouts in the nation,” Dollinger said.

“We are pleased to offer an easy way to register for those 18 years old and newly eligible to vote, as well as new permanent residents.”

The forum will begin with candidate statements and questions asked by Rotary and conclude with questions from the audience.

The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset will hold a second forum on Tuesday, Oct. 16, for West Maui County Council seat candidates Rick Nava and Tamara Paltin.

This is a great opportunity to meet the candidates and hear their views and ideas on issues you care about.

And if you’re not registered, sign up and VOTE!