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The Dallas County Democratic Executive Committee held a Candidate Forum on Tuesday night at the Selma Performing Arts Center.

The Primary Election will be held Tuesday with voting from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum,  Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson, Dallas County Coroner Alan Dailey, State Rep. Prince Chestnut all gave their reasons for re-election.

Robert Turner Jr., Robert Stewart both stated their cases to get elected as Fourth Judicial District Attorney and State Senator, respectively.

The debate was moderated by Historic Brown Chapel AME Pastor Leodis Strong and Rev. Labarron Mack, with questions from the audience.

Jackson was asked his view on the state legalizing medical marijuana with the medical cannabis program could roll out next spring.

“I don’t have a problem with medical marijuana being used for CTE and epilepsy,” Jackson said. “I have a problem with people driving down the street smoking weed. If you’re going to smoke weed, smoke it at home.”

Turner, an criminal attorney in Marion, was asked about what kind of District Attorney he would be.

“I will bring transparency and professionalism to the office of district attorney,” Turner said. “We need to take a proactive approach to the office of District Attorney if I am elected. I will be visible and present.”

Granthum was asked about the condition of the Dallas County Jail and he gave an honest response.

“It’s an old jail and we a new Dallas County Jail,” Granthum said. “It’s not up to me, it’s up to the Dallas County Commission.”

State Senator and Alabama Governor candidate Malika Fortier spoke briefly and gave her reasons for attempting to unseat incumbent Kay Ivey..Fortier said her parents, former State Senator Hank Sanders and Rose Sanders, leadership training and growing up in the Black Belt  prepared her to run for Governor.

Chestnut was asked on what he’d do in his second term. Chestnut said he will always fight for the people that elect him.

Stewart said District 23 is a big part of the state and he plans on restoring power to the people, his platform.

Dailey was asked about the process of being a coroner and going for his fifth term.

“I am not doing this to be rich, I am doing this for the citizens of Dallas County,” Dailey said. “To do this job, you must have a loving and supporting family. It’s a 24-7 job and on holidays.”

Jackson, Dailey, Chestnut and Granthum all encouraged voters to research all of the candidates before voting.

“Do your homework on all of the candidates, even me,” Granthum said. “Don’t vote for someone because you like them, coach your kids’ baseball team. Vote for the most qualified candidate.”