edited by Nikola Tzenov
The Community Media Center of Carroll County and the League of Women Voters of Carroll County are partnering to produce and host candidate forums for every contested local race on the ballot in Carroll County this election cycle.
The forums will give voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates for local, county and state offices and learn their positions on issues affecting Carroll County residents ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
The forums will cover the Board of Education, Carroll County commissioner districts 1, 3 and 5, Maryland House of Delegates districts 5 and 42C, Maryland Senate District 5 and Carroll County sheriff.
“Ensuring voters have accurate, first-hand information about the people asking for their vote is at the core of our mission,” said Robert Blubaugh, managing editor of digital content for the Community Media Center. “By partnering with the League of Women Voters of Carroll County,
we’re able to bring these conversations directly into the community and make them available to anyone, whether they attend in person or watch from home.”
The League of Women Voters of Carroll County will help organize and moderate the forums. The organization is nonpartisan and does not support or oppose candidates or political parties.
“Every contested race deserves a forum where voters can hear directly from the candidates in their own words,” said Cheryl Steinbacher, president of the League of Women Voters of Carroll County. “This partnership allows us to expand our reach and make sure no race in Carroll County goes without this important civic opportunity.”
Candidate forum schedule
Sept. 16
- Commissioner District 1 — 6 p.m.
- Sheriff — 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 24
- Senate District 5 — 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 30
- Commissioner District 3 — 6 p.m.
- Commissioner District 5 — 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 7
- Delegate District 42C — 6 p.m.
- Board of Education — 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 13
- Delegate District 5 — 6:30 p.m.
The Sept. 16 forums will be held at the Fire Activities Building in Taneytown. All other forums will take place at the Community Media Center studio in Westminster.
All forums will air live on cable channel HD-1072 and will be streamed online through the Community Media Center website and YouTube. The forums will also be recorded and rebroadcast through Election Day.
The public is invited to attend the forums in person or watch the broadcasts and livestreams.
The Community Media Center will make the forums and candidate profiles available through its online voters’ guide, along with links to election information.
The Community Media Center said it is presenting the forums as a public service to Carroll County residents and does not endorse any political candidate or political organization.
The Community Media Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Carroll County residents and nonprofits. It operates the county’s public, education and government access center.
The League of Women Voters of Carroll County is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, promotes understanding of public policy issues and works to influence public policy through education and advocacy.
