MOSES LAKE — Voters will have an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking local and state offices during a candidate forum hosted by the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce on Monday evening. 

The forum is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Moses Lake Civic Center Auditorium and will feature candidates running in several contested races on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. Candidates will be given two minutes for opening remarks, followed by sponsor-prepared questions and two-minute closing statements. 

Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce President Debbie Doran-Martinez said the event is intended to help voters become more informed before casting their ballots. 

"These are the decision-makers setting policy that impacts our daily lives and our businesses and our future," Doran-Martinez said. "The voters need to be educated, and we need to get every registered voter out, and they need to cast their ballot for who they think best represents their perspective, their values and can lead our community in the positive direction that we want to go." 

The forum is expected to include candidates running for Grant County assessor, auditor, commissioner, sheriff, Public Utility District commissioner and both Position 1 and Position 2 seats in the 13th Legislative District. Doran-Martinez said the chamber also invited candidates in the Fourth Congressional District race, although neither had confirmed attendance as of Friday. 

The lineup grew after two races that were not initially expected to appear became contested. Doran-Martinez said write-in candidate Jackie Rasmussen has been invited to participate in the Grant County PUD commissioner race, while assessor candidate Anson Bartrand qualified for the general election ballot after receiving enough votes as a write-in candidate during the primary. 

For voters who remain undecided, Doran-Martinez said candidate forums provide an opportunity to compare candidates side by side and evaluate where they stand on issues important to the community. 

"They're able to listen to why the candidates are running, what sets them apart," she said. "The questions enable the voters to see where somebody stands on an issue that might be important to them." 

Doran-Martinez said local elections often have the most direct impact on residents' daily lives, making participation especially important. 

"When you look at how many people turn out to vote of the overall population, it's typically a third or less of our population that's making the decision," she said. "If I'm a citizen, I want my voice heard." 

She encouraged residents who may be skeptical about the importance of voting to make their voices heard. 

"Every vote matters. Absolutely, every vote matters," Doran-Martinez said. "To not vote, you diminish the ability to represent the majority." 

Beyond learning candidates' positions, Doran-Martinez said attendees will have an opportunity to observe the candidates themselves. 

"They'll get an opportunity first and foremost to see their appearance, see their demeanor, see how they articulate and get a little bit of background about who they are and why they're running," she said. 

Doran-Martinez said voters should take time to familiarize themselves with the candidates and their positions. 

"Read the voter pamphlet, know who you're voting for," she said. "But on a secondary level, I would love for them to have attended a forum as well." 

The forum is open to the public. Chamber officials hope the event will encourage residents to become more engaged in the election process and make informed decisions before returning their ballots, Doran-Martinez said.