MOUNT VERNON - The public can learn how to exercise its right to government information - and how to preserve that right - during a discussion by a panel of experts on public record and open meeting laws.

The Washington Coalition for Open Government hosts the free event 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, at Skagit Valley College, 2405 E. College Way. The presentation will be held in the Multipurpose Room of the Gary Knutzen Cardinal Center.

Panelists include coalition president and Kirkland City Council member Toby Nixon, Assistant State Attorney General Tim Ford, state Archivist Jerry Handfield and Scott North, assistant city editor and projects reporter at The Herald in Everett. They will take questions and comments from the audience.

For more information, contact the coalition at 206-782-0393 or info@washingtoncog.org.

Reach RALPH SCHWARTZ at ralph.schwartz@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2266.