The League of Women Voters of Connecticut Education Fund (LWVCTEF) board will determine which candidates will be invited to participate in a LWVCT EF sponsored or co-sponsored candidate 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, and who meet the following additional criteria, will be invited to participate:

• There is evidence that a formal campaign is being waged:
• presence of a Campaign Manager (provide contact information)
• staffers
• dedicated website/web page
• campaign phone and email address
• bumper stickers, signs, etc. 

• Evidence of financial support:
• For gubernatorial or U.S. Senate candidates, campaign contributions should total at least $50,000. For U.S. Congressional candidates, contributions should total at least $15,000.
• For a Connecticut state office, the candidate qualifies and is eligible for matching funds from the Citizen’s Election Program (CEP).
• The total contributions received will be verified via candidate response, state filings with the SOTS/SEEC and other public sources.

In determining participation of candidates according to these criteria, the burden of proof will be on the candidate, not the LWVCTEF.

1. Candidates will meet all the legal qualifications for the office as outlined by the SOTS.
2. Stand-ins will not be allowed.
3. To maintain a clear record, the LWVCTEF will correspond via email with candidates concerning all aspects of the debate.
4.  In the case of a debate where only one candidate in a contested race for a party’s endorsement agrees to participate, the debate (or that segment of the debate) will not take place.

If a local League or group of local Leagues want to hold a debate for candidates for statewide or federal office, they must notify other area local Leagues and give them the opportunity to co-sponsor.

The debate for local, statewide or federal office must also meet the following criteria:

• The proposed debate must have commitments from at least two qualified candidates.
• Local League must maintain control over the form and rules according to LWVCTEF guidelines.
• All debate participants must agree and adhere to all rules concerning said debate.

For more information, please contact admin [at] lwvct.org