The League of Women Voters of Tyler/Smith County (LWV-TSC) invites the community to a candidate forum on Feb. 15, at 7 p.m.. at the Dr. Jack Davidson Conference Center at the Jim Plyler Instructional Complex in Tyler.

“The forum is an opportunity for Smith County voters to hear first hand from many of the candidates running for elected office in the March 2 party primaries,” Shirley Hightower, voter service Vice President of LWV-TSC.

“As in all League forums, this community event will be nonpartisan. The League never supports individuals or political parties, but through forums and other means offers voters the opportunity to hear directly from those who want to represent them in elected offices.”

Roger Gray, a local journalist, will moderate the forum.

Panelists include Vanessa Curry, journalism teacher, The University of Texas at Tyler; Roy Maynard, editor of the editorial page, Tyler Morning Telegraph; and Kristi C. Roberts, President of LWV-TSC.

LWV-TSC invited all candidates who are competing with one or more other candidates for their party’s endorsement to participate in the forum.

To meet the standards for a League forum, there must be at least two opponents speaking so that voters in the audience can compare the candidates and ask questions.

Two incumbents running for re-election — Robert Duell, Texas Senator, District 2, and Tommy Merritt, Texas Senator, District 7 — are unable to attend.

Unopposed candidates are welcome to attend the forum on Feb. 15. They may ask Hightower to introduce them to the audience.

Requests may be made between 6:30 and 7 p.m. at the forum site.

Visit lwvtyler.org or call 903-597-9111.