Special to the American Press

Voters can talk to local candidates one-on-one, then watch them debate, at a free voter outreach event on Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

The nonpartisan pre-election gathering is presented as a public service by the Southwest Louisiana Association of Realtors in partnership with the Chamber SWLA Economic Development Alliance.

It’s a first-ever effort to help citizens cast an informed vote, according to organizers.

The event will have free food and a cash bar.

Here is the schedule:

• 4-6 p.m. — Meet-and-greet in the Buccaneer Room with candidates for Calcasieu Parish sheriff, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury seats, and District Court judgeships.

• 6 p.m. — Moderated debates in the Contraband Room for candidates for Calcasieu Parish sheriff and District Court judgeships in Divisions C and F. The debates will be moderated by Gus Fontenot of the Chamber/Alliance and former American Press editor Brett Downer of the O’Carroll Group.

All local candidates can register for the meet-and-greet by the close of business today, Aug 31, at: form.jotform.com/232146882202148.

Additionally, sheriff and judicial candidates can register for the debate by the close of business today, Aug. 31, at: form.jotform.com/232146348815155.

The primary election is Oct. 14, with early voting from Sept. 30 to Oct. 7.

In races in which no candidate wins a simple majority (50 percent plus one) of the votes cast, the top two finishers will advance to a Nov. 18 runoff election. Early voting for the runoff will be from Nov. 3 to Nov. 11.