The League of Women Voters (LWV) sponsors candidate forums as part of its mission to encourage informed and active participation in government. Forums give the public the opportunity to hear from candidates, learn their qualifications and get a first-hand understanding of their stance on key issues.
Forum Procedures
LWV-sponsored forums adhere to pre-established procedures to ensure: (1) all candidates are treated fairly, and (2) forum topics are of public interest and pertinent to the candidates' platforms.
The Federal Election Commissions (FEC) provides rules governing public debates that apply to League-sponsored forums. FEC regulations define a debate as an event that:
• includes at least two candidates for the same office; and
• is staged in a way that does not promote or advance one candidate over another.
A candidate will not be allowed to take part in an LWV-sponsored forum unless at least one other candidate for the same race participates. LWV-sponsored forums feature a moderator and timers, who work together to ensure candidates have an equal opportunity to speak and the ability to respond to statements made by an opponent. Questions for the candidates are submitted in writing and reviewed by an impartial team, to prioritize topics, minimize duplication and exclude personal issues or attacks.
Eligibility Criteria for Candidates
It is the policy of the League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County (LWVAAC) that candidate debates and forums should be inclusive of all candidates who have qualified to be on the ballot, including all candidates of state-recognized political parties, independent candidates and write-in candidates. To be invited to participate in an LWVAAC-sponsored forum, a candidate must meet the following criteria:
- be legally qualified, if elected, to hold the office under federal and state law; AND
- have filed and met all requirements to be on the ballot according to Maryland’s election laws ten (10) weeks prior to any election.
LWVAAC will co-sponsor two candidate forums prior to the 2024 General Election.
| Date | Time | Race | Candidates | Moderator | Location | Co-sponsors |
| Tue, Sep 24, 2024 | 7-8:30 pm | Maryland 3rd Congressional District | Sarah Elfreth (D) Robert Steinberger (R) Miguel Barajas (L) | Shelley Brown, Executive Director of MyLaw.org | Horowitz Center Smith Theater, Howard Community College, Columbia, MD | LWV of Anne Arundel County & LWV of Howard County |
| Thu, Oct 10, 2024 | 6:30-8:30 pm | AA County Board of Education, Districts 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 | TBA | Tanya Milner Harlee, Provost, Anne Arundel Community College | Village Commons Community Ctr, Waugh Chapel, Gambrills, MD | LWV of Anne Arundel County & Association of American University Women-Anne Arundel Branch |
Please check back for additional details and to RSVP.
Posted August 2, 2024