Part IV: Candidate Forums
Sources of Questions
The purpose of an issue or candidate forum is to create an environment for civil discourse where concerned citizens (the voters) can interact with candidates or speakers. In the early planning stages, the event format is chosen, which directly affects how questions are asked.
It is essential the event begins with some prepared questions so that awkward silence can be avoided. These questions are typically created by Leagues based on public input provided before the event, and are reviewed by a question facilitation team overseen by the Event Planner. The Moderator may also be asked to help write questions before, or sometimes during, the event.
Possible sources of questions:
LWV members — Invite them to submit questions in advance by email. Some local Leagues host a workshop or membership meeting to develop their questions.
Co-sponsors — One big reason to invite co-sponsors is to create an opportunity for their members to ask questions about their issues.
Public — Invite the public to submit questions using input cards at public events or publicize an email address where questions can be submitted. (see below)
In-person Audience — Provide a table, note cards and pens with signage indicating the opportunity to submit a written question upon arrival.
On-line Audience — For audiences viewing on-line livestreamed (not recorded), consider providing a cell phone number, website or email address for those watching the forum live online (live-streamed) to submit questions.
Media — Invite local news reporters to attend and submit questions.
Moderator — The Moderator should have an awareness of issues involving the candidates in the event that there is a questions shortage.
Regardless of the source, all questions must be screened by a neutral committee at the forum. The committee may merge or combine questions with similar topics. The moderator should not be responsible for question facilitation, as they must be entirely focused on moderating the event.
Note: Allowing audience members to directly pose questions to the candidates during the forum is NOT recommended by LWVMN because it has potential for the audience to take control of event.