SPRINGFIELD – You’ve heard of speed dating, now you can participate in speed campaigning.

The League of Women Voters/ Springfield will host seven of the candidates running for sheriff and Governor’s Council on Aug. 29, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 361 Sumner Ave. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. for “Candidating 2016.”

Linda Matys O’Connell of the organization explained to Reminder Publications this is the first time the format has been presented. There will be seven tables at the church hall, with the candidates stationed at each. A group of voters will go to a table, listen to a one-minute opening statement and then have 10 minutes to converse with the candidate. There will also be a moderator at each table, as well.

At the end of the time the group move onto the next candidate until all of the voters have had the opportunity to speak with all of the candidates.

O’Connell said the result should be “a more intimate back and forth than what you get at a forum.”

The candidates who have confirmed to participate include Democrats Michael Albano, Tom Ashe and Nick Cocchi, independent James Gill, Republican John Comerford  and write-in Republican Frank Barbaro for sheriff and Democrats Jeff Morneau and Mary Hurley for the District 8 Governor’s Council seat.

O’Connell said part of the motivation behind the event is that many voters “don’t have a really good handle in what’s involved” in both the position of Hampden County Sheriff and a member of the Governor’s Council.

For those voters who have been following the two races, the event is an “an opportunity to consolidate their opinions” and for less informed voters “it will quickly bring them up to speed.”

O’Connell said the League may consider doing something similar for the final election.

The primary election is Sept. 8. The general election is Nov. 8. The last day to register to vote in the general election is Oct. 19.  “Candidating 2016” is co-hosted by Western Massachusetts Neighbor to Neighbor, Voices from Inside and the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts.