Mothers teach us lots of things. Mine taught me to vote.

From my earliest memories, I recall my mother serving as an election judge. The voting precinct for my neighborhood was my elementary school. So, on every Election Day, I could count on seeing my mother sitting behind a desk outside the principal’s office helping people cast their vote.

Election Day will be forever tied to memories of my mother and the lessons of civic responsibility that she taught me.

With a General Election upon us, I can hear my mother again reminding me to get out and vote.

Likewise, my father was the example that taught me the sacred nature of voting. Dad took a keen interest in elections and made sure I was a part of the voting process, often taking me with him as he marked his ballot.

His process of preparing for an election was almost ritualistic. He read newspapers, listened to the debates on the radio and television.

Dad almost always voted Republican, but he told me that I should understand the issues before I cast my vote for either party.

By the time I turned 18, voting had become almost second nature. It was a proud moment for both my parents to see me walk into the voting booth and pull that lever for the first time.

As Nov. 8 approaches those who wish to vote have many options to participate in the midterm election.

If we survive the rhetoric war, we may get through this highly contested midterm race.

Perhaps the dirtiest mudslinging is taking part in the race for a US Senate seat in North Carolina.

Cheri Beasley and Ted Budd have been going at it for weeks, each with campaign ads targeting the failures of their respective opponents.

Just once, I’d love to hear something like, “My opponent has served our state honorably, but I’m running because I have fresh ideas that will benefit North Carolina.”

A story in Thursday’s Charlotte Observer reported that the two have agreed to a debate.

“Beasley ‘is prepared and ready to meet Congressman Budd on his preferred debate stage — because she believes that every North Carolinian deserves to see the clear choice before them this Fall,’” said Travis Brimm, Beasley’s campaign manager.

Here at the paper, we’ll be watching the elections closely and we’ll be reporting throughout the day. Coverage, of course, will include statewide data as it comes in from the state.

Here are some key dates regarding the Nov. 8 election.

Sept. 9: The date by which the Robeson County boards of elections must make available absentee ballots. Note: You can vote absentee now if you are registered.

Oct. 14: Civilian voter registration deadline.This is the second most important day in the upcoming election. If you don’t register, you cannot vote. However if you miss the Oct. 14 deadline, you can still register when the one-stop early voting is available.

Oct. 20: One-stop, in-person early voting period begins. At this time you can still register if you have the required documents.

If you are like me, and are a relative newcomer to the state, time is running out

Nov. 1: Deadline for civilians to submit an absentee ballot request form.

Nov. 5: One-stop, in-person early voting period ends at 3 p.m.

Nov. 8: Election Day and civilian absentee ballot return deadline.

A note from the editor: When Election Day eventually arrives, it’s important to understand who you’re voting for before you go to vote. (Do you see how I am channeling my father there?)

Mother would say the same thing.

Mom’s gone now and my old elementary school where she helped so many people fulfill their civic responsibility is now a Jewish community center. But last I checked, the voting booths still appear there every Election Day.

Please register and vote.

David Kennard is the executive editor of Summerville Communications, which publishes the Berkeley Independent, Goose Creek Gazette and Summerville Journal Scene. Contact him at [email protected] or 843-873-9424. Follow him on Twitter @davidbkennard.