The annual political forum at True Holiness Saints Center brought Faulkner County voters together to learn more about candidates ahead of the primary election.

Held at the church’s E.C. Maltbia Family Life Center, the event provided an opportunity for community members to hear directly from those running for local offices, including Conway School Board Zones 2 and 3 and the 20th Circuit Judge position.

Pastor Maltbia said the church’s goal is to provide a space for education rather than endorsement.

“It’s our job to place a venue for them, because as you know, churches can’t endorse candidates,” Maltbia said. “But what we do tell people is find the person, the platform, or the party that best represents your Christian values.”

Organizers arranged the gymnasium so candidates could set up tables, allowing voters to ask questions one-on-one outside of the formal debate portion.

“We set up all around our gymnasium here so that candidates actually set up tables, so even outside of the debate you can go, talk, ask questions, understand what their platform is,” said Michael Dunugan, head of production for the church.

Candidates for 20th Circuit Judge emphasized the importance of local elections.

“These local elections, to be honest, far more impact your life than many of the federal, national elections that you see,” said candidate Chad Brown.

Quincy McKinnney, also running for the position, described the circuit court judge as the highest trial court in Arkansas and said he hopes to make a difference at that level.

Organizers said forums like this aim to equip voters with the information they need before heading to the polls on Election Day.