FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) -- Washington County voters will elect a new county judge when they head to the polls on Nov. 8.
The Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce held a forum on Monday (Oct. 10) for voters to learn more about the two men vying for the seat.
Democrat Mark Kinion and Republican Joseph Wood have battled for votes since August, when Wood was selected to fill the open seat.
"The county judge is the speaker of the Quorum Court," Kinion said. "[They] have to have the experience of managing that government operation of other elected officials."
Kinion was the only candidate who attended the forum. The chamber said Wood was unable to attend.
"We were unable to get a hold of Mr. Wood tonight because he had a prior engagement," said Taylor Shelton, director of government affairs for the chamber. "He contacted us and let us know that he was sorry he was unable to make it."
Whichever man wins in the November general election will replace Marilyn Edwards, who stepped aside to run for a justice of the peace seat.
"It's important for voters to get out, listen, and find out which candidate really resonates with them," Shelton said. "Rather than taking the opinion of somebody else."
The Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce will host forums for other area races, including city council seats, and the mayoral race on Oct. 20.