EPHRATA — Grant County voters will have an opportunity this evening to hear directly from candidates seeking two of the county’s elected offices during a debate hosted by the Grant County Republican Party. 

The candidate forum is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Ephrata Recreation Center, 112 Basin St. SW, Ephrata. The event will feature candidates for Grant County sheriff, incumbent Joey Kriete and challenger Darrik Gregg, as well as candidates for Grant County Superior Court judge, Trevor Bevier and Ken Chadwick. 

For residents unable to attend in person, Kody Johnson of Proud Family Productions will livestream the event on the Columbia Basin Herald Facebook page. 

Both sheriff candidates said the forum provides voters with an opportunity to learn more about the people asking for their support before the November general election. 

“I think it's very important coming into the general election here in November that the community gathers as much information as they possibly can about each candidate,” Kriete said. “What better opportunity to have everybody in the same room than show up for this forum happening?” 

Gregg echoed the importance of voter participation and encouraged residents to either attend or watch online. 

“I would encourage everybody to come out and hear what each one of us has to say so that when the ballots go out, they have a better idea of who they’re going to vote for,” Gregg said. 

The sheriff candidates said informed voters are critical to the election process, and that debates can help residents compare candidates and their priorities. 

“I would honestly say, to be as informed as possible,” Kriete said when asked why residents should attend. “We want informed voters making the best decision for the community.” 

Gregg said forums create an opportunity for voters to hear directly from candidates rather than relying on secondhand information. 

“I think it's important, no matter who's holding that forum, to show up and hear what people have to say,” Gregg said. “It's a great opportunity for you to show up for a free event and hear what people have to say because an informed voter is really what we need.” 

Kriete said public safety remains a key issue for the county and pointed to efforts aimed at reducing crime and improving quality of life for residents. 

“Our overall goal is the best that we can for the community that we serve,” Kriete said. “We want to continue dropping that crime rate, making Grant County the safest place to live, work and raise a family as we possibly can.” 

For Gregg, the focus is on leadership and serving both employees and the public. 

“I'm about people. I'm for people,” Gregg said. “This position isn't about me. It's about what I bring to the sheriff's office, which is leadership and transparency and accountability.” 

Kriete said voters should evaluate the information presented during the debate and examine each candidate’s record. 

“I would say definitely look at results that have happened with the office and how things are serving the community,” he said. “I would tell people to kind of do the research and see what proven results are out there based on the candidates that they have in front of them.” 

Gregg said he hopes voters leave the debate with a clearer understanding of the candidates and their vision for the future. 

“If you're undecided as a voter, I would highly encourage you to show up in person,” Gregg said. “If you can't show up in person, get online on that live stream and watch it.” 

The debate comes as voters prepare to make decisions that will shape county government and the local justice system for the next four years. The sheriff serves as the county’s chief law enforcement officer, while Superior Court judges oversee felony criminal cases, major civil disputes, juvenile matters and other significant legal proceedings. Ballots for the general election are due Nov. 3.