By the time the Nov. 6 general election rolls around, Whatcom County voters will have experienced a barrage of news stories, ads and mailers about high-profile races: president, senator, governor. Two congressional races will include the new 1st District, carved out of the northern part of the county after the last census.

Similar attention will be given to controversial statewide ballot issues and local measures.

The Bellingham Herald has partnered with the League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County to bring you more information to make informed voting choices.

We invite you to join us at a series of forums with candidates and initiative representatives.

Members of the League of Women Voters will moderate the panels. Our editorial board will attend to form our opinions for our endorsements. We particularly look forward to hearing candidates answer voters' questions about the issues.

There are four forums:

State ballot issues on gay marriage, tax changes, marijuana and charter schools will be the topic of the forum 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Bellingham City Council chambers, 210 Lottie St.

State legislative candidates will speak 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at the Bellingham Municipal Court, 2014 C St.

Congressional and Public Utility District 1 candidates will speak 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at the Bellingham Municipal Court.

Whatcom County ballot issue representatives and Whatcom County Superior Court candidates will speak 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Bellingham City Council chambers.

The league will be taking written questions for the candidates before the events.

The forums will be televised live and repeated on Bellingham's BTV Channel 10. The telecasts will also be available on the city's website.

Ballots are scheduled to be mailed Oct. 19 and are due by Nov. 6. We hope you will take this opportunity to join the League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County and The Bellingham Herald in becoming a more informed voter.

Reach JULIE SHIRLEY at julie.shirley@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2261.