Part IV: Candidate Forums
Reasons to Print a Program
Providing voters with a printed program for LWV events is an excellent way to inform them of the procedures and rules of the event, to provide them with membership information, and to provide them with additional information about the issue or candidates.
The program is an opportunity to provide guests with information about co-sponsoring organizations and their work. It can include voting information like links to the Secretary of State’s website mnvotes.org and others.
The program can save the Moderator time by eliminating the need to recite every forum rule and policy, thereby giving more time for voters to hear from candidates. This is especially important when the forum is being recorded for community television or radio broadcast.
The program can promote where to go to hear/watch the forum (online, community TV, radio). Many Leagues and co-sponsors post YouTube links on Facebook and their webpage.
By creating a “take-away” for voters, it also serves as a reminder of the valuable role LWV plays in our communities. By including voting information, the voter may be more likely to retain the program for future reference.
Programs should always include membership information. We welcome and invite anyone 16 years or older to be members. It can and should include website and Facebook page information.
A program is an opportunity to recognize and thank co-sponsors.
The program sample shown in this handbook is designed to be printed on a single 8.5x11” page, folded in half. Printing in black is more economical than color printing and the file works either way.
