For some voters, the only knowledge they’ll have on a potential political candidate they could vote for is a brief statement in a voter’s pamphlet or a 30-second advertisement on TV. However, in one East County town, an opportunity for voters to get to know who is on the ballot will be occurring.

The Elma Eagles will be hosting a Meet the Candidates Forum ahead of the upcoming general election. The event, which is being sponsored by Bayview Building Materials and the Elma Chamber of Commerce, will allow voters to question candidates who are running for positions on the state and county levels.

Jillanna Bickford, who serves as the Elma Chamber of Commerce director, said that as of Oct. 12, there are seven candidates that have confirmed they will appear such as Grays Harbor County Sheriff candidate Darrin Wallace, County Commissioner District 3 candidates Vickie Raines and Lisa Zaborac, Legislative District 24 Position 1 candidates Mike Chapman and Sue Forde, as well as Legislative District 19 Position 2 candidate Cara Cusack. Grays Harbor County Assessor candidate Dan Lindgren is also scheduled.

Bickford noted that more candidates could confirm their invitation and that a lunch provided by Miller House will be available, ranging from ham, turkey or veggie sandwiches, for people to enjoy. However, she said RSVPs are needed to determine how much food will need to be made.

“This is open to the public and will be limited to space (available), so please let me know as soon as possible,” Bickford stated via email.

For people who are interested in attending the Meet the Candidates Forum, the event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 404 W. Young St. from noon to 1:30 p.m. RSVPs, including sandwich preference, must be emailed to Bickford at elmachamber@gmail.com before noon Monday, Oct. 17.