Local State Senator John Douglas (R-Social Circle) and Tim Echols of Athens were the top two finishers in the July 20 Primary and will face off in the Aug. 10 runoff. Echols garnered the highest percentage of the vote at 35.1 percent, while Douglas captured 27.6 percent of the statewide vote, but received a 56.2 percent majority of Newton County votes.

Patriots Table Charter Member Ralph Brian said the event will be moderated and audience members will be able to submit questions via note cards handed out at the forum. For more information visit patriotstable.org. The group held a forum for State Senate 17 Republican runoff on July 27 and the pair of candidates answered more than 30 questions.

Early voting for the Aug. 10 runoff is taking place all this week until from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Board of Elections , located on the first floor of the Newton County Administration Building  at 1113 Usher St.