The American Democracy Project of Indiana University South Bend and the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area are sponsoring a series of events that kick off Monday with a debate among candidates for the District 2 St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners seat and end March 30 with a Meet the Candidates forum.
A networking reception follows each debate or forum.
“Primary elections can be challenging for voters who rely on party cues in November,” Elizabeth Bennion, who serves as director of IU South Bend’s American Democracy Project and director of voter services and engagement for the local League, said in a news release.
“Without the cognitive shortcut of a party label, it becomes even more critical for voters to compare the candidates side by side to determine which candidates most closely match their own policy preferences and desired leadership traits,” Bennion said.
The League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. The league never endorses a political party or candidate.
The American Democracy Project of IU South Bend is a nonpartisan organization that equips college students with the civic and political knowledge and skills. The ADP never endorses a political party or candidate.
In addition to the debates and forum, the two groups will publish the Vote411.org online voters guide on April 6. April 6 is voter registration deadline for the primary, and early voting begins the next day. The guide will feature verbatim policy statements from candidates.
The Indiana primary is May 5. Voters choose a party before casting their ballot.
Monday, March 9: Candidates for the District 2 St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners seat debate from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Room 1001, Wiekamp Hall, IU South Bend, 1800 Mishawaka Ave.
Incumbent Commissioner Dave Thomas, a Democrat, faces a primary challenge from former South Bend Common Council member and mayoral candidate Oliver Davis Jr. Derek Dieter and Jordon Budreau are competing for the Republican nomination for the seat. Dieter is a former Democratic member of the South Bend city council, and Budreau is a New Carlisle town council member. All three challengers will appear.
Tuesday, March 24: Candidates for the District 6 Indiana House of Representatives seat debate from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Room 1001, Wiekamp Hall, IU South Bend.
Three candidates are seeking to replace Rep. B. Patrick Bauer, a Democrat who was first elected to the House in 1970 and is not seeking re-election. Candidates seeking the Democratic nomination include Maureen Bauer, Bauer’s daughter, an independent contractor and aspiring business owner; Garrett Blad, national press coordinator for Sunrise Movement; and Drew Duncan, management trainee for Enterprise car rental.
Wednesday, March 25: Candidates for the District 2 U.S. House of Representatives seat debate from 7 to 8 p.m. in the campus auditorium in Northside Hall, IU South Bend.
Ellen Marks and Pat Hackett are competing for the Democratic nomination as they seek the seat held by Republican Rep. Jackie Walorski. Walorski’s primary opponent, Christopher Davis, does not appear to be waging an active campaign.
Monday, March 30: A Meet the Candidates forum will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 1001, Wiekamp Hall, IU South Bend. It will be an opportunity to meet candidates in the primary, whether contested or uncontested.