HUNDREDS of interested political watchers converged on King's Theatre on Thursday night to try to decide whose name they would tick come election day.

Warwick Chamber of Commerce president David Littleproud said he was pleasantly surprised by how many people went along to hear Daily News chief of staff Jenna Cairney grill the candidates about their policies and promises.

"We were very pleased with the turn-out, it emphasised the importance the community is placing on this election," he said.

"And it is imperative to the future of the Southern Downs."

But Mr Littleproud urged the audience to spare a thought for the candidates and continue following their campaigns before making a final decision.

"It's not easy for the candidates on those evenings to clearly articulate their vision," he said.

"The Chamber would hope they would continue to do that during their campaign.

"It is very hard in a two-minute response but the night put that in motion. But they need to follow through with the clear and concise plan they have for the future of the Southern Downs."

Mr Littleproud said he was enlightened by the evening and hoped the audience was as well.

"There was some (candidates) who really did surprise me and there were others again who didn't explain their views as well as I expected," he said.

"But that's the pressure of the night and people need to accept that."

The Daily News would like to thank the Warwick Chamber of Commerce for its help with organising the event and to the Warwick RSL for providing the venue.

See below for details on how you can find out just how the candidates fared at the Stanthorpe and Warwick forums.