The coronavirus pandemic has stopped typical campaigning, but some Gwinnett County candidates have found a way to reach voters anyway.

Democratic candidates for sheriff and district attorney will hold a virtual forum on Facebook Thursday. The candidates will focus on criminal and immigrant justice issues and discuss their platforms.

It'll be hosted by community organizations that advocate for criminal justice reform. The groups have spoken out against the county's participation in 287(g), a federal immigration enforcement program, and other topics.

District Attorney candidates Patsy Austin-Gaston and Wesley Person will participate. They’re both running against Republican Danny Porter, who is seeking reelection.

For the sheriff’s race, Curtis Clemmons, Ben Haynes, Keybo Taylor and Floyd Scott will participate. Sheriff Butch Conway decided not to seek reelection. In addition to the four Democrats, two Republicans are seeking to replace him.

The forum will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. For the Facebook Live event, see https://www.facebook.com/asianaaf.

The forum is organized by the Asian-American Advocacy Fund, the New Georgia Project Action Fund and other advocacy groups. Residents can submit questions for the candidates in the RSVP form on the event's site at https://www.facebook.com/events/488581465176537/.

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Joe Rich had moved to 3935 Paces Manor 2.5 year ago. on Tuesday, Sept. 22,2009, he was trapped at his house with no way out - but a boat. He has been ferrying various things back and forth and is surprised he still has power. Vinings residents were dealing with a major flooding issue Tuesday, as the Chattahoochee River made its way along the banks near Paces Ferry Road.  Many residents with upscale homes were hit hard, some for the second time since an earlier post millennia flooding episode. Since early Monday, seven lives have been taken and several other people remain missing. The record-setting rains also have closed schools and roads and have left people stranded in their homes. The river's level near Vinings was at 27.36 feet before daybreak Tuesday after cresting at 28.1 feet overnight. Flood stage is 14 feet, and anything above 20 feet is considered "major" flooding. (Photo: John Spink, jspink@ajc.com)

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Former CDC employee Barbara Marston (right) protests the recent firings and budget cuts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. Tuesday, April 01, 2025 (Ben Hendren for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

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