Opinion editor’s note: Strib Voices publishes a mix of guest commentaries online and in print each day. To contribute, click here . ••• The League of Women Voters has been running candidate forums (not debates) for years. Recognizing the prevalence of misinformation and heated arguments found online, candidate forums offer a crucial alternative – a space for respectful dialogue and informed discussion. Unlike the often unproductive and divisive nature of online debates, our forums prioritize civility and a focus on substantive issues. We believe these forums represent the last bastion of reasoned conversation in the current political landscape, offering a refreshing contrast to the food fights and "gotcha" moments frequently encountered elsewhere. Our approach is rooted in a commitment to voter education and a nonpartisan perspective, ensuring a bias-free experience for all participants. At the League of Women Voters, we understand the importance of establishing clear guidelines to foster a productive and respectful environment. That’s why we’ve developed a comprehensive set of rules designed to minimize distractions and maximize the value of the discussion. These rules include a strict prohibition on applause during the forum – reserved only for concluding remarks – to eliminate potential disruptions. We also discourage the wearing of campaign T-shirts and buttons, which can contribute to contentious "sign wars." Most importantly, we rigorously vet every question submitted by the audience. Our goal is to pose candidates straightforward, unbiased inquiries that cut through rhetoric and focus on the core issues. We deliberately avoid allowing extended "response" times for personal interactions, recognizing that such pauses can easily devolve into unproductive exchanges. However, candidates are certainly encouraged to address one another’s points within their allotted time, promoting a balanced and considered response. To ensure impartiality, our volunteers – a dedicated team of individuals who have undergone extensive training – never moderate forums within their own districts. Instead, we employ a separate team of formally trained volunteers who meticulously gather questions from the public, synthesizing them to capture the central themes while eliminating inherent assumptions and viewpoints. While we develop several questions in advance, we also heavily rely on the most pressing issues raised by the audience, demonstrating a commitment to responsive and relevant dialogue. We utilize a precise stopwatch to manage the flow of discussion, ensuring that questions are posed efficiently and effectively. This approach allows us to maintain a sharp focus on the candidates’ positions and the distinctions between them, all while keeping the emphasis squarely on the voters and their concerns. It’s not about flashy theatrics; it’s about delivering a genuine and meaningful exchange of ideas.

We’ve found that this model works remarkably well, consistently delivering a valuable experience for both candidates and the public. Our commitment extends beyond the Mayor Candidate Forum, scheduled for 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at the Minneapolis Central Library (300 Nicollet Mall). The League of Women Voters Minneapolis is also hosting forums for every contested City Council seat, Park and Recreation Board candidates and even the Board of Estimate and Taxation! These forums are professionally live-streamed and available on our website ( www.lwvmpls.org ) until Election Day (Nov. 4). For a complete listing of all forums, please visit https://lwvmpls.org/2025-candidate-forums/.

Rebecca Thoman is president of the League of Women Voters Minneapolis.