MASON COUNTY — With the Nov. 6 general election nearly a month away, many are wondering when early voting begins in Mason County.

According to the office of Mason County Clerk Diana Cromley, early voting begins on Oct. 24.

The following is a complete listing of early voting dates and times for the general election: Oct. 24-26, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Oct. 27, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Oct. 29 - Nov. 2, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Nov. 3, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. All early voting takes place on the second floor of the Mason County Courthouse in the Mason County Commission room.

Several county, state and national offices are up for grabs on Nov. 6 which could be an indicator of a high voter turnout.

Some major county offices are being sought by new faces competing against one another. Races with no incumbents include: County Commission, with Republican Tracy Sturgeon Doolittle going up against Democrat Mickey Whalen. Prosecuting Attorney with Republican Craig Tatterson going up against Democrat Bryan Cromley. County Sheriff with Democrat Greg Powers going up against Republican Gordon Clark. County Assessor is the only county race where an incumbent, Democrat Ron Hickman, is facing a challenge from a new face, Republican Amanda Cadle. Running unopposed are Magistrates Gail Roush (R) and Cheryl Miller Ross (D) who are both seeking new terms, Bob Baird (R) who is running for conservation district representative and John Persinger (D) who is running for surveyor.

Other races local voters have their eyes on are house of delegates for the 13th and 14th district as well as the race for state senate. In the race for the house of delegates in the 13th district, voters will choose from incumbents Brady R. Paxton (D) of Liberty and Helen Martin (D) of Poca as well as Brian “Scotty” Scott (R) of Hometown and Scott Cadle (R) of Letart. In the race for house of delegates in the 14th district, voters will pick a new face with either Jim Butler (R) of Gallipolis Ferry or Jimmie Wood, Jr. (D) of Point Pleasant taking home the big prize. Whatever happens in the 14th district race, it is finally guaranteed Mason County will have its own delegate.

Two new faces are also in the race for state senate in the third senatorial district with Mitch B. Carmichael (R) of Ripley going up against Michael “Mike” Bright (D), also of Ripley.

Other races which have people talking are: Incumbent Nick J. Rahall, II, (D) going up against Rick Snuffer (R) for U.S. House of Representatives, third congressional district. Incumbent Joe Manchin, III, (D) going up against John R. Raese (R) and Bob Henry Barber (Mountain) for U.S. Senator. Incumbent Earl Ray Tomblin (D) going up against Bill Maloney (R) for governor in a repeat of last year’s special election, also in this race are Jesse Johnson (Mountain) and David Moran (Libertarian). Incumbent Natalie E. Tennant (D) against Brian Savilla (R) for secretary of state. Incumbent Glen B. Gainer (D) against Larry V. Faircloth (R) for auditor of state. Incumbent John D. Perdue (D) against Mike Hall (R) for state treasurer. Walt Helmick (D) against Kent Leonhardt (R) for commissioner of agriculture. Incumbent Darrell V. McGraw (D) against Patrick Morrisey (R) for attorney general. Justice of Supreme Court of Appeals will see candidates Justice Robin Jean Davis (D), Letitia “Tish” Chafin (D), Allen Loughry (R) and John Yoder (R) squaring off.

The Point Pleasant Register will publish a special election supplement to be printed in late October. Register staff want to include all county and state-wide candidates in the supplement. At no charge, candidates may submit a photograph and the following information: name, address, family background, educational background, organizations, current occupation and work experience.

Then, in 100 words or less, and as specifically as possible, please explain why you are seeking public office. Also, in 100 words or less, please identify the number one priority in the office you seek and as specifically as possible, explain how you would address that priority. There will be no exceptions made to 100 words or less and no submissions demeaning another candidate will be accepted.

These materials need to be either dropped off at the Point Pleasant Register or emailed to mdrnews@mydailyregister.com no later than 5 p.m., Friday Oct. 12. Paid advertising will also be available in the supplement allowing candidates to customize their message, though purchase of an ad is not required to be included in the supplement.