SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The American Democracy Project (ADP) at IU South Bend and League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area announced they will host a public forum featuring candidates running for House and Senate seats in the Indiana General Assembly on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wiekamp Hall at IU South Bend.

Candidates will introduce themselves to voters and answer questions about their policy positions and priorities. 

Participants will include:

• Mike Bohacek (R), Senate District 8, Incumbent
• Leon P. Smith (D), Senate District 8, Challenger
• Tim Cotton (L), Senate District 10, Challenger
• Heidi Beidinger (D), House District 5, Challenger
• Melissa Kauffman (L), House District 21, Challenger

Organizers say all candidates running in contested state legislative races on St. Joseph County ballots were invited to participate.

Voters are encouraged to attend the event to meet the candidates and learn about the issues being debated by the state government.

All members of the community are invited to attend regardless of partisanship, voter registration status, or political district. 

Voters can consult Vote411.org for information about these, and other, candidates on the St. Joseph County ballots.

The forum will take place at 1001 Wiekamp Hall, IU South Bend, 1800 Mishawaka Ave. Attendees can park for free in the attached parking garage.