Letters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor | League of Women Voters hosting election forums this fall
Each election cycle, an invitation is extended to every candidate on the ballot by the League of Women Voters of Tacoma-Pierce County to participate in a public forum. Those candidates who accept the invitation (not all do) display their willingness to engage with the community and undergo live public scrutiny.
During a forum, a discussion moderator asks each participant the same questions, prompting their on-the-spot responses about important issues that matter to voters. The questions forum moderators pose are professional, polite, and sourced from current public interests. In fact, attendees are encouraged to submit their questions to be asked.
The way candidates conduct themselves while answering tough questions is useful to voters beyond just the words they say. Watching body language and listening to how candidates handle themselves under scrutiny is a uniquely informative experience. This info can help a voter form an opinion about the character of a candidate on attributes like transparency, integrity, and thoughtfulness. Every cycle, there are new candidates and new issues to learn about. As such, attending a forum is beneficial in becoming an informed voter. We hope to see you at one!
Since its founding in 1920, the League has never endorsed or opposed candidates or political parties at the local, state, or national levels. We instead research specific issues, come to internal consensus, and then do advocacy work on the matters impacting our community. The League’s commitment to supporting and defending democracy is vigorous and unyielding- and this work includes hosting non-partisan public forums for “we, the people,” to engage our potential public officials before election day.
All citizens, no matter their political affiliation, deserve to participate knowledgeably in the elections process. These forums provide a meaningful opportunity, sometimes the only one, for comparison of candidates in the public eye. We are proud and excited to provide resources, encouragement, and opportunities for you to participate in learning about local elections on your own terms.
You are invited to attend our candidate forums. The upcoming forums are:
- Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 26, House Position No. 2. Zoom link
- Oct. 8, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 29, House Position No. 2. Zoom link
- Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 31, senator. Zoom link
- Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m.: District Court positions 7 and 8. Zoom link
A special non-candidate forum will be held about the proposed County Charter Amendments. The forum discussion will be moderated by former Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson and will feature a panel of four: former Tacoma News Tribune columnist Peter Callaghan; Chair of the Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective Lyle Quasim; Founder and Chair of the Tacoma Business Council Kristen Wynne; and Executive Director of the Washington State Association of Counties Derek Young.
The charter amendment discussion will be at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14. Click here to see it on Zoom.
Previously recorded candidate forums are available here.
You can learn further information about the forums by contacting LWVTPC member Noel Hagens ([email protected]).
Ruth Ann Hatchett and Carolyn Edmonds are co-presidents of the League of Women Voters of Tacoma-Pierce County.