ELMIRA, NY (WENY) -- The election race for the Chemung County Sheriff is heating up, and this evening the two candidates faced off in a debate.

Acting Chemung County Sheriff Bill Schrom and Art Laurey argued why they should be the next sheriff. The debate which was hosted by WETM T-V at the Clemens Center in Downtown Elmira, lasted for about 45 minutes. During the showdown many topics were brought up -- including the issue of drug abuse across Chemung County. WENY News caught up with both candidates -- and here's what they had to say when asked why people should vote for them.

Schrom said, "I think my experience with with the Sheriff's Office. I'm in my 30th year with the agency. I've come up with the road patrol, the criminal investigation division, where I reached the rank Sergeant, stayed within that division as a supervisor. I was the Undersheriff for 13 years under Sheriff Chris Moss. Then since January of this year I've been the acting sheriff. I think that with my education my background and training makes me the most qualified."

Laurey said, ""People should vote for Art Laurey because the crime in Chemung County is 97% higher than anywhere in New York State. If you want change here and stop the gun violence and the epidemic of opioids, I need your support on November 5th. So vote for Art Laurey if you want to be safe in Chemung County."

Early voting for office positions in Chemung County begins this Saturday and non-early voting will be on November 5th.