This general election, The Almanac staff has created a voter guide that offers key takeaways for local races and measures, plus candidate profiles and forum videos, in an effort to give voters all the tools they need to make an informed decision.

Nov. 8 is fast approaching, but many will make their choices well ahead of time as they mark up their ballots, which were mailed to voters starting Oct. 10. Completed ballots can be submitted at drop-off locations through Election Day, or at 45 locations across San Mateo County that will also be open for in-person voting. For those who haven't registered to vote, you've got until Oct. 24. Check your registration status here.

Our three-member editorial board is making endorsements in several key races: Menlo Park City Council District 4, Menlo Park Measure V, Portola Valley Town Council, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors District 3 and Woodside Town Council District 2.

For detailed coverage on state races and propositions, check out CalMatters' voter guide and its one-minute video guide to the propositions.

We'll continue to add content to this page ahead of Nov. 8. Come back to AlmanacNews.com on election night for results, analysis and reactions.

San Mateo County Board of Supervisors District 3

Who's running? In the race for District 3, which includes West Menlo Park, Portola Valley, Woodside and Atheron, Menlo Park City Council member Ray Mueller and San Carlos City Council member Laura Parmer-Lohan are competing to represent the county's largest district by area. Learn more about the candidates, find out how much money they've raised and see who our editorial board endorsed.

Menlo Park City Council

Who's running? Two longtime Menlo Park residents, incumbent Betsy Nash and former council member Peter Ohtaki are competing for the second time since 2018 to represent District 4. Learn more about the candidates, find out how much money they have raised and see who our editorial board endorsed.

How many seats are up for grabs? One.

Menlo Park's Measure V (single-family zoning restrictions)

What city measure is on the ballot? In Menlo Park, city residents will be voting on Measure V, the citizen-sponsored ballot initiative that would restrict the Menlo Park City Council's ability to rezone single-family lots to higher density. Read our editorial board's endorsement, get answers to frequently asked questions and find out how much money the two sides have raised.

Portola Valley Town Council

Who's running? Vying for seats are incumbent Mayor Craig Hughes, retired family physician Mary Hufty, Planning Commission members Craig Taylor and Judith Hasko, and Emergency Preparedness Committee Chair Dale Pfau. Learn more about the candidates, find out how much money they have raised and see who our editorial board endorsed.

How many seats are up for grabs? Three.

Atherton City Council

Who's running? Incumbents Mayor Rick DeGolia and Vice Mayor Bill Widmer are seeking reelection, facing two challengers, longtime town volunteer Greg Conlon and Environmental Programs Committee Chair Stacy Miles Holland. Learn more about the candidates and find out how much money they have raised.

How many seats are up for grabs? Three.

Woodside Town Council

Who's running? Incumbent Brian Dombkowski is facing two challengers for the newly redrawn District 2 seat. They are Steve Lubin, a lifelong Woodside resident and longtime town volunteer, and Elizabeth Kaske, a recent transplant from Menlo Park and PTA vice president. Learn more about the candidates, see how much money they have raised and find out who our editorial board endorsed.

How many seats are up for grabs? One.

Ravenswood City School District board of trustees

Who's running? Incumbent Tamara Sobomehin is going for another term, as well as Mele Latu, who was appointed in December 2020 to fill a vacant seat following the resignation of Stephanie Fitch. The candidate pool also includes aerospace engineer Manuel López and educator Laura Nunez. Learn more about the candidates and find out how much money they have raised.

How many seats are up for grabs? Three.

Woodside Elementary School District

Who’s running? Sole incumbent Jenny Hayden is running as a part of a slate with product designer Brett Westervelt and longtime classroom volunteer Amanda Peiffer. They’ll face off against board hopefuls Rick Yost and William Dunn, who both have military backgrounds. Learn more about the candidates and find out how much money they've raised.

How many seats are up for grabs? Three.

Woodside Fire Protection District

Who's running? Incumbent board director Matt Miller and safety advocate and author Lloyd "Rusty" Day are competing for a four-year seat on the Woodside Fire Protection District Board. Learn more about the candidates and find out how much money they have raised.

How many seats are up for grabs? One.

Menlo Park Fire Protection District

Who's running? Board President Chuck Bernstein and board member Robert Jones are running for reelection, with EMT and retired CEO Gary Bloom and Dionis Papavramidis seeking to join the board overseeing the district that provides emergency services to Atherton, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park and surrounding unincorporated communities. Learn more about the candidates.

How many seats are up for grabs? Three.