A free, nonpartisan gathering of voters and candidates in all Calcasieu Parish candidates takes place Thursday afternoon and evening at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

The event is presented by the Southwest Louisiana Association of Realtors in partnership with the Chamber SWLA Economic Development Alliance.

The event will feature 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.

Voters can talk to local candidates one-on-one during the meet-and-greet — then watch the debates, which will be moderated by Gus Fontenot of the Chamber/Alliance.

The primary election is Oct. 14, with early voting from Sept. 30 to Oct. 7. In elections where no candidate wins a majority of the votes, a runoff will take place Nov. 18.