The general election is Nov. 4. Deadline for mail and online voter registrations, updates and changes is 29 days before the election. Deadline for new Washington state voter registrations is eight days before the election. Ballots will be mailed by Oct. 16, according to the Kitsap County Auditor Elections Division. Go to www.kitsapgov.com/aud/elections/voterreg.htm for more information.

This election is bringing forth new voices, new views and new ideas. Get to know the candidates. Your vote will empower them to make decisions on your behalf on issues related to city services, education in local schools, emergency medical services, fire safety, quality of water supply and delivery, and economic development and environmental stewardship in our port district.

This newspaper will publish stories about the candidates and issues, as well as Q&As with the candidates. We’ll also cover candidates and issues forums planned in the area and we encourage you to participate. You can find more about all candidates, including links to their websites, at www.kitsapgov.com/aud/elections.htm.

We will also publish letters to the editor from residents regarding the candidates and the issues. As with all letters to the editor, keep it to 350 words to provide room for other letters. Help encourage dialogue by keeping the tone civil. Focus on issues, not personalities. Email ctucker@soundpublishing.com.

Here’s a list of candidates in contested races in Bremerton and Central Kitsap in the general election:

Bremerton City Council District 6: Richard Huddy and Roy Runyon.

Bremerton School Board, Position 1: Naomi Evans and Sheila Collins.

Bremerton School Board, Position 3: Tony Stephens and Jonee Dubos.

Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue, Position 1: Ralph E. Rogers and Nate Andrews.

Port of Bremerton Commission, District 1: John R. Poppe and Cary Bozeman.

Silverdale Water District, Position 1: Michael Sechrest and Joy Ramsdell.