The four candidates running for the First Suffolk Senate seat are expected to participate in a forum set up by MassVOTE, a voting rights group, and other organizations. The 6 p.m. forum is set for Wednesday, April 17, at the Lee School auditorium on Talbot Ave. in Dorchester.

Four candidates are campaigning for the seat, which opened up after former state Sen. Jack Hart took a job at a law firm earlier this year. They are state Rep. Nick Collins (D-South Boston), state Rep. Linda Dorcena Forry (D-Dorchester), Joseph Ureneck (R-Dorchester) and Maureen Dahill (D-South Boston). The first three are confirmed as attending, according to one of the organizers. A Dahill campaign spokesman told the Reporter she is attending.

The list of sponsors includes MassVote, Viet-AID, NAACP Boston Branch, NAACP New England Area Council, New England United for Justice, Mass Affordable Housing Alliance, South Boston en Accion, Boston Workers' Alliance, and Dorchester People for Peace, among others.

The Democratic primary is scheduled for April 30, and the special election is set for May 28.

UPDATE: This post was updated with information from a Dahill spokesman.