Voters in Cherokee County’s 7th District will get the opportunity to hear from the seven candidates vying for the seat Saturday when the Town of Blacksburg hosts a stump meeting.

The seat became vacant following the death of longtime county councilman James Batchler in August. He had served in that role for four decades.

Mayor David Hogue said he is excited about the opportunity to hear from each of the candidates.

“It seems we have a bunch of good candidates, all of whom seem to be very qualified to hold the post,” Hogue said. “Hopefully we’ll have a good crowd come out to hear what they have to say.”

Republican candidates include Brad Upchurch, Tracy McDaniel, Dennis Stroupe and Donnie Lee Smith.

Clay Greer, Thomas Moss and William Wilson have filed as Democrats.

The event will get underway at 2 p.m. at the outdoor stage on Cherokee Avenue. If Mother Nature chooses not to cooperate, the meeting will be moved indoors to the Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department.

Each candidate will have five minutes to make their case, in addition to answering questions from Hogue and those in attendance.

The mayor said he has received a number of questions voters want answered, all of which he will present to candidates prior to the stump meeting.

“Questions will be given to candidates beforehand, so not to seem like we’re springing anything on them,” Hogue said. “There will be a few questions from those in the audience, but for the most part they will know what to expect.”

Primaries will be held Nov. 10, while the general election is scheduled for Dec. 29.