While the calendar and the weather scream “summer”, the midterm elections in November are less than 100 days away.
Behind the scenes, leagues and media outlets across the state are working and planning to host candidate debates. And unlike the past two years, when debates were held virtually or not at all, live debates will once again be the norm. This is good news for candidates and voters; public servants should relish the opportunity to engage with the constituents who elect them. But in recent election cycles, we have noticed an alarming trend among candidates from both parties—a reluctance by some to participate in debates. This is unfortunate.
Debates are an important part of the elections process. Unlike websites, social media, emails or mailers, debates offer the voters a chance to see the candidates in real time, live and unscripted. Seeing and hearing a candidate on a debate stage gives voters another layer of insight about how a candidate handles themselves when presented with an opposing point of view about a topic. Were they able to get their point across? Did they answer the moderator’s question?
Our democracy depends on a mutual relationship of respect between candidates and the voters who elect them.
Body language, speech patterns, all of these traits can influence a voter’s final decision on Election Day. And let’s be frank, the job of a public servant is to serve and interact with the public. After all, voters are the ones who decide the fate of every candidate. It is up to the candidate to convince the voters to vote for them and they should never take any vote or voter for granted. We hope that every candidate who is invited to participate in a debate will do everything in their power to participate. Our democracy depends on a mutual relationship of respect between candidates and the voters who elect them. Not participating in a debate sends the opposite message. We look forward to a robust election season this fall, and hope that all candidates will participate, that every voter will be engaged and informed, and that all will turn out on Election Day.
Laura Smits
President, League of Women Voters of Connecticut
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Did you know?
In collaboration with the League of Women Voters of Connecticut, Connecticut Public presents a weekly series of political debates between the key candidates in advance of the midterm November 2022 elections, including debates for the statewide offices of Governor and Secretary of the State, as well as U.S. Senate and Connecticut’s five U.S. Congressional districts.
Moderated by Connecticut Public journalists, each debate will take place at a different college or university campus throughout our state and will be broadcast and streamed across Connecticut Public platforms.
Following each debate will be a lively post-debate discussion led by Connecticut Public’s Frankie Graziano with Connecticut’s leading political pundits and journalists.
When to Tune In: Every Thursday at 8 p.m. 9/15 - 10/27, and Tuesday 10/25
For more information, visit ctpublic.org/vote.
