LWVCT/LWVCTEF Debate Criteria and Candidate Vetting Standards
Updated August 2023
The LWVCT/LWVCTEF board will determine which candidates will be invited to participate in a LWVCT/LWVCTEF-sponsored or LWVCT/LWVCTEF co-sponsored candidate forum or debate.
All candidates who have met the standards as determined by the Secretary of the State’s Office to qualify for appearance on the ballot for the contested office(s) covered by the debate/forum, and who meet the following additional criteria, will be invited to participate:
There is evidence that a formal campaign is being waged, such as:
- presence of a Campaign Manager (provide contact information)
- dedicated website/web page
- campaign phone and email address
- public campaign appearances
- campaign advertising
- policy platform and literature
- bumper stickers, signs, etc.
Evidence of financial support, including:
- the candidate’s campaign has a Treasurer (provide contact information).
In determining participation of candidates according to these criteria, the burden of proof will be on the candidate, not the LWVCT/LWVCTEF. LWVCT/LWVCTEF may require candidates to provide information to show that they meet the criteria.
- Candidates will meet all the legal qualifications for the office as outlined by the SOTS.
- Stand-ins will not be allowed.
- To maintain a clear record, the LWVCT/LWVCTEF will correspond via email with candidates concerning all aspects of the debate/forum. All correspondence will be sent to candidates in a traceable form (email).
- In the case of a debate/forum where only one candidate in a contested race for a party’s endorsement agrees to participate, the debate/forum (or that segment of the debate/forum) will not take place.
The rules of the debate itself will be supplied to the candidate via a formal letter that will include the rules, deadlines etc. In order to participate, the candidate must sign the agreement letter and return it to the league organizers in a timely fashion (no later than a week prior to the debate). A candidate who has not responded or signed the formal letter of agreement will not be allowed to participate in said debate. The League treats every candidate equally regardless of party affiliation and reserves the right to amend the debate rules due to unforeseen circumstances in accordance with the national LWV rules of engagement.
Citizens' Election Program
Why was CEP a successful campaign finance program?
Connecticut was the first state to develop and enact comprehensive campaign finance reform that provides public (but not tax-funded) financing for candidates for the General Assembly and state offices. The LWVCT strongly believes that campaign finance reform and its oversight by adequately funded regulatory agencies and/or commissions is necessary to ensure the public's "right to know", combat corruption, prevent undue influence, and enable candidates to compete equitably and fairly in the pursuit of public office and/or service.
Did you know?
- In 2018, the number of women elected to serve in the CT General Assembly jumped nearly 6%, from 27.3% to 33.2% of our State Legislature/CGA.
- More women candidates received clean election grants in 2018 under CEP than in any time in the past, with 127 grants awarded. The previous high was in 2014, when 80 women candidates applied and were awarded grants. In other words, in 2018 there were 59% more clean election grants awarded to women candidates than ever before.
CEP in the News
CT Insider - Report: Public financing has added women, minority legislators in CT Sept. 15, 2020
CEProud was a three year commitment (2016-2019) by LWVCT to raise awareness of the Citizens' Election Program - Connecticut's model program for publicly financed campaigns.
