As election season nears its Nov. 6 culmination, the Austin Chamber of Commerce is giving Austin residents a chance to get in some last-minute candidate research.

Local city, county and school board candidates will gather at the Holiday Inn in Austin from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday for the chamber’s Meet the Candidates forum. The meeting, which will also be broadcast live over KAUS radio, will allow Austin residents to ask questions of local candidates about their plans and how that may affect their businesses.

Guests will have notepads to write down questions, which a moderator will then ask candidates, said Sandy Forstner, executive director of the chamber. Each candidate will have time for an opening and closing statement.

Forstner said he hopes for 40-50 attendees. These forums, held on election years, typically don’t get very large, he added, though he hopes the live radio broadcast will allow the forum to reach more people.

The event is open to the public. Admittance is $7 per person for breakfast, otherwise there is no charge. Registration and breakfast begin at 8:30 a.m. Candidates for the Mower County board will take the floor at 9 a.m., followed by Austin school board candidates at 9:45 a.m. and city council candidates at 10:40 a.m.

Forstner said advanced registration is preferred, and can be done by calling 507-437-4561. The event is hosted by the chamber’s Government Affairs Committee in partnership with KAUS AM/FM Radio.