League of Women Voters Schedules Hamilton County Candidate Forums

The League of Women Voters of Hamilton County will host two nonpartisan candidate forums this fall to give voters a chance to hear from candidates in time for the Nov. 8 general election. Forums will start at 7 p.m. end by 8:30 p.m. Here’s the schedule:

• Next Tuesday, Oct. 4, Carmel City Hall, candidates for Senate Districts 21 and 29 and House Districts 24, 32 and 39.
• Next Thursday, Oct. 6, Noblesville City Hall, candidates for Senate Districts 25 and 31, House District 88 and Hamilton County Prosecutor.

Citizens can attend in person or register in advance on the event calendar at LWVHCIN.org to receive the Zoom link.

“It’s important for voters to interact with candidates before they cast a ballot,” said Lisa Dick, LWVHC president. “I used to be one of those people who walked into the voting booth and sometimes felt like I was guessing after I got past the federal and state races. I started attending the forums when I joined the league, which gave me a better sense of who the candidates are beyond their name and party.”

She said all candidates in contested races for Indiana Senate and House seats and Hamilton County offices have been invited to participate. Candidates who are unable to attend have been offered the opportunity to respond to the questions that will be asked at the live event. Written and/or video responses will be required to meet the same time limits as the live forum events.

The league also traditionally hosts a forum for the 5th Congressional District candidates, but due to Federal Election Commission regulations, it cannot hold a federal election forum if only one candidate agrees to attend. Dick said the League has been unable to find a date when 5th District Rep. Victoria Spartz could commit to participating.

For residents who cannot attend the forums or those who want to rewatch, recordings will be available afterward on the LWVHCIN.org website and Vote411.org, the league’s online voter guide.

Vote411.org also provides additional information for voters. All candidates on the November ballot have been invited to submit biographical information and answers to race specific survey questions. Voters may enter their street address to receive personalized ballot information.

“When I talk to people about the league’s role in voting, I always tell them that it’s none of my business who you vote for,” Dick said. “But I want every voter to have the resources he or she needs to make an informed decision.”

About the League of Women Voters:

The League of Women Voters, formed in 1920, is a nonpartisan organization that encourages participation in government and works to increase understanding of public policy issues. If you have questions, contact the League of Women Voters of Hamilton County at lwvhcin@gmail.com or learn more at lwvhcin.org.