COVINGTON, Ga. — Voters will get a chance to hear from City Council candidates this week during a political forum.

Smart Growth Newton County, with help from the Democratic and Republican party organizations in the county, is playing host to the event from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Historic Courthouse in downtown Covington. The Covington News is a media partner for the event.

Jonathan Paschal, of Smart Growth Newton County, said most of the candidates in the city have confirmed their intentions to attend and discuss their plans for office.

That includes incumbent Councilman Chris Smith and challenger Susie B. Keck in Post 1, East Ward; and incumbent Councilwoman Ocie Franklin and challengers Anthony Henderson and Jeffrey Johnson for Post 3, West Ward.

Post 2, West Ward, Councilwoman Hawnethia Williams is unopposed.

Candidates for the two City Council races in Oxford have been invited but have not responded. Porterdale will have its own forum, and Mansfield and Newborn have no contested races this year.

Tuesday is the deadline to register to vote, and in-person advance voting begins Oct. 16. The election will be Nov. 7.