Observer, WBTV mayoral debate to broadcast live tonight

The Charlotte Observer and our news partner, WBTV, will host a debate 7-8 p.m. tonight with the leading candidates for mayor. The debate, sponsored by Duke Energy, will air live on WBTV Channel 3.

The debate features Democrats Joel Ford, Vi Lyles and incumbent Jennifer Roberts, followed by questions for Republican candidate Kenny Smith. The debate includes candidates who filed the last two campaign finance reports.

WBTV anchor Jamie Boll will moderate, with questions from a panel of Observer and WBTV journalists. WBTV anchor Molly Grantham will take questions from viewers over Facebook Live.

Early voting for the primary continues through Sept. 9. The election is Sept. 12.

A candidate needs 40 percent of the vote to win. If no one hits that, there will be a runoff on Oct. 10.

This story was originally published September 1, 2017 at 4:22 PM with the headline "Observer, WBTV mayoral debate to broadcast live tonight."