The League hosts and moderates or co-sponsors candidate forums to provide opportunities for community members to hear directly from candidates competing for an elected office.
These events allow all candidates to offer statements about themselves and answer identical questions in a set amount of time. They are not given the questions in advance. These are not debates, as candidates do not direct their comments to one another.
Strictly nonpartisan, the League does not support or oppose candidates or political parties, so a neutral stance is maintained at all times.
LWV forum guidelines require the following:
- that all candidates on the ballot for that office be invited;
- a League member serves as moderator;
- audience questions are considered;
- questions must be directed to all candidates;
- candidates address the audience, not one another;
- each candidate is given the same amount of time to respond to the questions.
Please contact us if you are interested in having the League host or co-sponsor a candidate forum for your municipality, district, or organization.