By Denise Dunbar | ddunbar@alextimes.com

Early voting will begin Friday in the City of Alexandria for the Nov. 2 general election. In addition to voting for mayor, City Council and School Board in Alexandria, residents can cast ballots for the Virginia House of Delegates, Commonwealth’s Attorney, Sheriff and in statewide races for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.

All registered voters in Virginia are eligible to vote in person on election day or in early voting or by mail. Early in-person voting will take place at the Office of Voter Registration and Elections, 132 N. Royal St., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. starting on Friday. The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St., will open for early voting starting on Oct. 22.

A series of forums are also scheduled so candidates for Alexandria’s mayor, City Council and School Board, all of which are contested elections with multiple candidates for each post, can discuss the issues.

There are two mayoral debates scheduled: one on Oct. 9 hosted by the League of Women Voters and one on Oct. 13 hosted by the Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations. There are also two forums scheduled for City Council: on Oct. 6, hosted by the Seminary Ridge Civic Association, and Oct. 9, hosted by the League of Women Voters. Three forums are scheduled for School Board candidates: on Sept. 30 by the Alexandria Democratic Committee Disability Caucus, Oct. 10 by the League of Women Voters and Oct. 13 by the Alexandria PTA Council.

The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 12, and early in-person voting will continue until 5 p.m. on Oct. 30. In order to vote in person, either early or on election day, residents must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth and keep at least six feet away from others.

Applications to request a ballot to vote by mail must be received by 5 p.m. on Oct. 22 at the Office of Voter Registration & Elections. Completed ballots must be either returned to the Office of Voter Registration and Elections by 7 p.m. on Nov. 2 or postmarked by Nov. 2 and received in the office by noon Nov. 5. To vote in person, an application is not required. Applications should not be submitted before voting in person