If you are looking to learn more about local races and issues that will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot, you’ll have a great opportunity to do just that Thursday at Steubenville High School.

That’s when members of the Ohio Valley Business and Professional Women’s Club will present their annual educational event.

This year’s Meet the Candidates and Insight on the Issues night will be held in the commons area of the high school. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and the evening is scheduled to run through 8 p.m.

There will be tables where interested citizens can pick up information from candidates and the many issues that are a part of this fall’s ballot. Candidates from all parts of Jefferson County have been invited to participate, as have representatives who will offer details about many of the levies and other issues that voters are being asked to decide.

Organizers added the evening will include a chance to examine the proposed changes to the Steubenville City Charter and see how they could affect the document.

The format will differ from the events that have been held in recent years. Each candidate who attends will be given three minutes to introduce themselves and offer details about their background and their platform. Representatives will be available to offer information about issues and levies. There won’t be a panel asking questions, and there won’t be a back-and-forth among candidates — just the sharing of information.

It’s an evening that comes at a good time. While the calendar shows that Election Day is less than two weeks away, decisions already are being made. As of noon Tuesday, the Jefferson County Board of Elections reported that 283 early in-person ballots had been cast. The numbers showed that 707 absentee ballots had been sent out and 236 had been returned.

Early voting continues to be offered at the board of elections office in the Tower building at 500 Market St. You can cast your ballot from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Friday; from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday; from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday; from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29-31; from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 1; and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 2.

Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 4.

Events like Thursday’s insight night are an important part of the electoral process. The BPW has sponsored these informative sessions across many election cycles as a way to ensure that voters have the chance to learn, firsthand, about the issues and candidates that are important to their daily lives and communities.

Educated voters will make intelligent choices — that’s why area residents are encouraged to participate in Thursday’s meet the candidates event.