A political forum Thursday night will be the first public arena for Dawson County’s 10 clerk of courts candidates to face off on the issues before voters make their choice July 20 during the general primary.

“The Dawson County Republican Party understands that the citizens take the right to vote seriously and desire to cast an educated vote,” said Clint Smith, party chairman. “With so many candidates running for this seat, an opportunity to evaluate the choices in person is important.”

Smith said recent events locally and at the state level “have shaken the public’s confidence in ... government.”

The clerk of courts position became available in March when former Clerk of Court Becky McCord resigned amid a criminal investigation into thousands of dollars missing from office accounts.

“People in Dawson are paying attention — especially when the good faith of the taxpayer has been insulted,” Smith said. “By coming together for public forums, the citizens can be participants in disavowing such headlines and become active in working for the future of their community.”

The forum is sponsored by the Dawson County Republican Party.

The Republican Party also will hold a forum in July for the three candidates running for the District 3 seat on the Dawson County Board of Commissioners.