An all-candidates debate in Petrolia Thursday night is the only one all of the candidates can actually attend.
The Independent newspaper has partnered with the Petrolia Legion to host the event.
Publisher Heather Wright said one of the candidates can't attend the other scheduled debate in town because of the location.
"Marty Souch is unable to attend the candidates debate on the 10th," said Wright. "Mr. Souch is not allowed in town hall, after being charged in an investigation that involved the town. So, this is the only one [debate], where everyone can talk to everyone and hear what everyone has to say."
New faces are guaranteed on Petrolia council next term, including the town's first new mayor in over a decade, which has made residents hungry for information.
"We had planned to start our election coverage after Labour Day," said Wright. "That's the traditional way of reporting elections. But, I was watching online and people were saying 'where do I get information on these candidates?' in mid-August. We actually started our coverage in August because there was such a desire for information about the people who are running for Petrolia council."
Brad Loosley, Bob Maniuk, and Liz Welsh are running for mayor after John McCharles decided not to seek re-election after 12 years at the helm.
There are nine candidates on the ballot for Petrolia's six council seats, although longtime councillor Mary-Pat Gleeson announced she was withdrawing after the deadline had passed to have her name taken off the ballot.
Incumbent councillor Tim Brown isn't seeking re-election.
The debate, open to everyone, starts at the Petrolia Legion at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a meet and greet around 9 p.m.
Petrolia's internet/telephone voting period runs from Thursday, October 11 at 9 a.m. until Monday, October 22 at 8 p.m.
