Several years ago, a brand burger joint had an advertising campaign asking "Where's the meat?" in reference to competitors.
Today we can ask the same question in regards to public information pushed out by local governments and/or media.
An example is a Sept. 28 Montgomery County "election reminder" listing all races and candidates who will appear on the ballot Tuesday, November 8th.
What wasn't clear was voter registration deadlines. New rules state this is to be 22 days before the general election. That means Monday, October 17.
So if you've recently moved, you have to act before 5:00 pm tomorrow. Here's a link to the Voter Registration Application Form. It includes what types of documents you may use to show residency, such as a current and valid photo ID (can be a current yet out-of-state drivers license if you haven't gotten a Virginia license yet); current utility bill or bank statement; government check (assuming some type of public employment or public assistance); a regular paycheck or other government document (like a library card).
While this link states it is interactive and printable, it's strongly suggested you walk it into the Voter Registrar Office at the County Government Center by the end of business on Monday (no word if the office has extended hours due to this deadline). That office is located at 755 Roanoke Street, Christiansburg (right next to the famous Custard Corner). Give yourself enough time to confirm your voting registration approval, and know your polling place. Maybe bring more than one piece of ID, just in case.
Then attend area candidate forums and watch and listen to each candidate. You might also meet some of them at local functions or be visited by them (or a supporter) knocking on your door seeking your support.
Some say Southwest Virginia is being forgotten by Richmond or that Washington insiders are disconnected from this region's needs and issues.
You can change that by 1) registering to vote and 2) voting on November 8th. Higher voter turn-out for precincts and the region should be a clarion call to those who win office.
If you missed this deadline (or just want to abandon your responsibility as a United States citizen), you've missed the means to partake in our democracy. That could translate to missing a meal, if the folks who represent you don't care about your quality of life and economic opportunities.