URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Champaign County voters will have the chance to hear from Democratic Primary candidates for County Executive, Michelle Jett and Sanford Hess, during a pre-recorded forum airing Monday, February 16 at 6 p.m. on WILL AM 580.

The hour-long event is hosted by the League of Women Voters of Champaign County in partnership with Illinois Public Media, with co-sponsors including the NAACP Champaign County Branch and the News-Gazette. The forum was moderated by Arjun Thakkar, IPM Newsroom Senior Editor, and recorded on February 10 in the IPM studios. A video recording will also be available on the IPM and LWVCC YouTube channels.

Cathy Emanuel, forum lead for LWVCC, says the event gives voters insight into each candidate’s experience, values, and vision for the future. “Included are their perspectives on whether the County Executive should be appointed or elected, which has real implications for our community,” Emanuel said.

The Primary Election is March 17. Early in-person voting began February 5 at the Bennett Administration Center in Urbana. County-wide polling locations open March 9, and vote-by-mail ballots must be returned or postmarked by March 17. Voters can learn more about candidates at the nonpartisan LWVCC Candidate Guide at votechampaign.org. For more information on your personal ballot, or to see all the candidates, visit the Champaign County Clerk’s website at champaigncountyclerkil.gov.

Emanuel urges all registered Champaign County voters to pay attention to this race. “Voters will find this forum very helpful before going to the ballot box.”

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization open to anyone 16 and older, promotes informed and active participation in government and provides education on major public policy issues.