FAIRFIELD — Hyde County voters are getting ready for the November elections.

On Monday night, seven candidates — Republicans and Democrats alike — visited Harris’ Steak and Seafood House in Fairfield to answer questions and mingle with constituents, as part of a “Meet the Candidates” event.

Among the candidates were: Tom Pahl (county commissioner, Ocracoke Township); Earl Pugh Jr. (county commissioner, Engelhard/Lake Landing); Thomas Midgette (county commissioner, Engelhard/Lake Landing); N.C. Sen. Bill Cook (District 1); Brownie Futrell (N.C. Senate, District 1); Warren Judge (N.C. House, District 6); and Linda Coleman (lieutenant governor).

A representative for U.S. Rep. Walter B. Jones was also present.

Organized by the Greater Hyde County Chamber of Commerce, about 40 people attended the event, according to Pahl.

“It was a pretty good turnout. More than I would have expected,” Pahl said. “I think anything that exposes the candidates to the public is a good idea.”

Cook said he wishes the crowd was bigger, but he enjoyed coming out and meeting some of the residents.

He said he agrees that constituents should have as much in-person interaction with candidates as possible.

“I think that people should know as much as they can about the person they are considering voting for,” Cook said. “It wasn’t a bad crowd for Hyde County.”

Pahl said he was also impressed with Chamber Executive Director Averi Simmons’ organization of the event.

“It’s an opportunity for people to see candidates who are, you know, on both sides of … the issues,” Pahl said. “Especially in Hyde County, where we don’t have a lot of media coverage, anything like this that gives the public the opportunity to come and see the candidates in action is a good thing.”