Part IV: Candidate Forums
Choosing a Format
Forum, Debate, Fair or Meeting - which accomplishes your goals?
Forum (typical LWV format)
Less formal than debate
Candidates speak for their positions to audience and not to opponent
FCC & FEC debate rules/policies apply
Can include several offices on one panel
Audience asks questions, usually written
Debate (not usually recommended)
Formal with 2 or more candidates for single position
Candidates argue for their position and against opponent’s position
FCC and FEC laws apply
Questions asked by Moderator
Allows cross-talk between candidates
Candidate Fair
Informal “meet and greet” with voters
Includes all candidates for several offices and/or electoral districts
Table for each candidate to meet with voters
Not broadcast so FCC rules do not apply
Can include several offices/races
Must still treat all candidates equally
Groups candidates for each race in one location to minimize voter confusion
Hybrid
Includes all candidates for several offices and/or electoral districts candidates
Could allow each candidate specified time limit for a statement (candidate fair 5:00-7:00, candidate comments 5:45-6:15, each candidate will have X minutes)
FCC and FEC laws do not apply
Moderator for candidate introductions only
Roundtable Discussion
Invite all candidates for all offices to attend
Give each candidate one minute to introduce themselves
Creates opportunity for candidates, members to mingle
Candidates move from table to table after a specified amount of time