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By J.R. TIDWELL / Editor

Polls open at 7 a.m. on Aug. 20 for the Republican primary portion of the special election for the House District 42 vacant seat.

A special election to fill the seat was called by Gov. Kay Ivey after the passing of Rep. Jimmy Martin.

Four Republican candidates are running and will appear on the primary ballot. They are Allen Caton, Jimmie Hardee, Van Smith and Shannon Welch.

The winner of the primary will face lone Democratic candidate Kenneth Allison Sr. Since Allison Sr. is the only Democrat in the race, no Democratic primary is being held.

If none of the four Republican candidates receives more than 50 percent of the vote, a primary runoff will be held Nov. 5.

If no runoff is needed, the general election will be held Nov. 5. In the event of a runoff, the general election will be held Jan. 21, 2020.

The Chilton County Republicans will be hosting a forum for the four Republican candidates August 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Jemison Municipal Complex. Light refreshments will be served. The meeting is open to the public.

According to Chilton County GOP chairman Alan Childress, each candidate will have several minutes to address the audience, explaining their background, vision and desire for serving the citizens of HD42 and the state of Alabama.

There will be a question and answer time once all of the candidates have delivered their presentations.

“The candidates will discuss many topics during their presentations,” Childress said via a release. “However, the Q&A covers many topics at a deeper level.”

The following questions are examples of issues covered during previous forums:

What will you do for the farmers? How will you represent both counties? Do you support Common Core? Do you support Home Rule? What is your view of the Second Amendment? What is your experience in working with the Legislature?

“Please invite your family and friends to attend, as this will be the last chance to hear the candidates before we vote in the Special Election the next day—Tuesday Aug. 20,” Childress said. “Please mark your calendar today and make plans to attend this important meeting!”