Voters next week will choose a new District 25 Georgia House representative, and Tuesday they will have the opportunity to hear the candidates' positions on the issues.

The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with The Times and Jacobs Media, is playing host to a political forum from 6-8 p.m. at the Spout Springs branch library on Spout Springs Road in Flowery Branch.

Seven men are vying for the House seat vacated by James Mills when he was appointed to the state Board of Pardons and Paroles. The district covers much of South Hall.

Times Executive Editor Mitch Clarke and WDUN General Manager Joel Williams will pose questions to the candidates and take written questions from the audience.

"We're glad to be able to partner with the chamber in hosting this forum," Times publisher Dennis Stockton said. "Obviously these are difficult times for our state, and it is vital that voters make intelligent choices about representation in the legislature. Given the short time frame for this special election, forums such as these are a great way to gather information about the candidates and their positions on the issues."

Chamber President Kit Dunlap said the organization often holds political forums but felt it was especially important this time because there was such a short period between qualifying and the election Nov. 8.

"We just felt like we needed to have something that people could actually come and meet and greet, and hear how the candidates stood on issues," Dunlap said. A candidate meet-and-greet will be held 5:30-6 p.m.

Candidates include Bobby Banks, a former Hall County commissioner; businessman Emory Dunahoo Jr.; the sole Democrat in the race, Paul Wayne Godfrey; businessman Dominic Ottaviano; businessman Todd Reed; attorney Sonny Sykes; and former Flowery Branch Councilman Kris Yardley.

There will be no party primary but party affiliation will be listed on the ballot.

"We hope a lot of people will take advantage of this opportunity to find out more about the candidates so they can cast an informed vote on Election Day," Stockton said.

Dunlap added that she hopes people will turn out to vote. Polling locations will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 8.