A new candidate has entered the running for the county-commission seat in District 3.

A petition to allow Darrell Veach to run in the general election as an unaffiliated candidate has been approved, Deputy County Clerk Carol Tullis said Monday.

Two of the three county-commission seats are up this year, and both incumbents are seeking re-election. Both likewise face challengers in the primary election Aug. 8.

In District 2, which covers the Cortez area, incumbent Kent Lindsay is being challenged by fellow Republican Ray Gallacher.

In District 3, which includes Mancos and the area south of Cortez, Democratic incumbent Kelly Wilson must battle challenger Lyle Rice in the primary.

The winner of the District 2 primary will face Democrat Tony Valdez in the general election in November, while the winner in District 3 will face Veach.

Voters must cast their ballots for candidates within the party in which they are registered. Independent voters can declare a party affiliation at the polls.

The clerk’s office is taking applications for absentee ballots now. Early voting will begin July 28 and end Aug. 4.

Two forums this month will allow candidates to hear the views of the hopefuls. One will take place tonight from 6:30 to 9 in the Calvin Denton Room at the Empire Electric Association. It is hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police (Lodge No. 8) and will focus on public safety issues.