Candidates for local contested offices will answer the public's questions at two forums October 18 and 25 in the Leonardtown High School auditorium. The first forum will be for candidates for state senator, state delegates of Districts 29A, 29B, and 29C, state's attorney, and Board of Education. The second forum will be for candidates for president and the four districts of the St. Mary's County Board of Commissioners.

 All candidates are invited to "meet and greet" the public and to offer campaign literature in the lobby of the auditorium beginning at 6 p.m. The question-and-answer portions will begin at 6:30 p.m. This format provides an opportunity for citizens to submit questions to candidates during the program or they can in advance by e-mailing info@smc.lwvmd.org.

 The forums were moved to the high school auditorium to ensure sufficient seating in view of the large turnout and interest of the public at the primary election forums. They were organized by The Center for the Study of Democracy at St. Mary's College of Maryland, The League of Women Voters of St. Mary's county, and the St. Mary's County Branch of the NAACP.

  St. Mary's College of Maryland, designated the Maryland state honors college in 1992, is ranked one of the best public liberal arts schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. More than 2,000 students attend the college, nestled on the St. Mary's River in Southern Maryland.