Robert Gayheart and Jeff Willison, both registered Democrats, are on the ballot for the office of coroner.

Willison was unable to attend the candidate forum due to illness. Gayheart asked the audience to pray for his opponent. No Republicans filed as candidates, so the primary will decide the race. Gayheart, the incumbent, has been the coroner for nearly 10 years.

Gayheart said he had worked with several attendees in the room who have had a family member or friend die. He said coroners work at all hours of the day and night.

Coroners are called to pronounce a death as well as declare the cause of death by autopsy examinations. Gayheart said his background is in public health, and he has also worked as a deputy coroner in Fayette County. He has also worked as an autopsy technician and has training in anatomy.