SMITHFIELD—Election Day is nearing and a candidates’ forum will be held tonight so that citizens may meet the people vying for public office and ask them questions.

The forum, which is sponsored by the Isle of Wight Citizen’s Association and the Carrollton Civic League, will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Smithfield Center.

All candidates for the county’s contested races, including incumbent Kenneth Bunch and challenger Debbie Hall, who are vying for the Carrsville District School Board seat, have committed to participate, according to Nancy Guill of the Carrollton Civic League.

Other competitive seats in the county include Board of Supervisors and School Board seats representing the Hardy District. Carrsville District Supervisor Phillip Bradshaw is seeking re-election unopposed.

The three candidates for the 64th District House of Delegates seat, incumbent Democratic Delegate William “Bill” Barlow, Republican Stan Clark and Independent Green Party candidate Albert Burckard, will also participate in the forum. All three candidates live in Isle of Wight County.

Guill expects the state budget — and ideas to keep it under control — will be a popular topic of discussion for the three House candidates.

Smithfield Times Editor John Edwards will moderate the forum. Doors open at 6 p.m., a welcome reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. and the Smithfield High School band will provide music.