The Cranston Herald, with the help of the Cranston Public Library, will hold a forum for candidates in the special election for the Ward 6 Council seat September 19 at Central Library at 140 Sockanosset Road at 6:30 p.m.

So far two candidates, Anthony Melillo (R) and Dan Wall (D), have announced for the seat. Official declarations of candidacy must be given to the city on July 27 or 28. While Melillo and Wall have both publicly announced their intention to run, new candidates can enter the race until then. Both candidates announced so far have received official support from their respective party’s leaders in Ward 6.

The forum will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. with members of the public encouraged to attend and submit questions for the candidates. Those unable to attend can still submit questions to be asked by going online to the candidate forum survey and filling out the online submission form there.

Should a primary election become necessary due to the emergence of more candidates, the date for the primary election is set as September 5. Those who need to register for the upcoming special election must submit their registration August 6, and those who wish to disaffiliate in order to vote if a primary becomes necessary must do so by August 7. Mail-in voting will be available for the primary, if necessary, and the main election.

The deadline for mail-in ballots in the main election is September 12, and if there is a primary the deadline will be August 15.

Help us to bring to light the issues that matter to the residents of Ward 6. Submit your questions as soon as possible and join us for a healthy discussion of Ward 6 with the candidates, one of whom will take the Ward 6 Council seat.