Find a debate. Hear the candidates. Be an informed voter.

Before you cast your ballot, hear from the people asking for your vote.

The Washington 2026 Democracy Calendar is a nonpartisan guide to candidate debates, forums and civic conversations taking place across Washington State ahead of the November 3, 2026 general election.

Created by Seattle CityClub, the calendar brings events from communities across the state into one place, making it easier to find opportunities to hear candidates discuss the issues, compare their positions and answer questions from voters.

Browse upcoming events to find out what is happening near you, what you can watch online and where recordings are available after an event.

Submit an event

WHY WE CREATED IT

Finding information about candidate debates and forums should not require searching dozens of websites, social media pages and community calendars.

We created the Washington 2026 Democracy Calendar to answer a simple question:

What debates and candidate forums can I watch or attend before I vote?

The calendar is designed to make civic information easier to find and easier to use. Whether an event is happening at a neighborhood venue or streaming statewide, our goal is to help Washington voters find substantive opportunities to hear directly from candidates before Election Day.

REVIEWED BY PEOPLE, NOT JUST AN ALGORITHM

Not every event labeled a “forum” or “debate” belongs on a nonpartisan voter resource.

That is why every event included in the Washington 2026 Democracy Calendar is reviewed by Seattle CityClub staff or researchers before it is added.

We look at who is participating, who is hosting, whether the public can access the event and whether the format provides voters with a meaningful opportunity to hear from candidates or learn about a ballot issue.

Think of it as CityClub’s stamp of approval: a human-reviewed calendar built to help voters spend less time searching and more time listening.

WHAT MAKES THE CALENDAR

To be included, an event should meet the following criteria:

  1. At least two candidates are participating in a contested race, or the event presents meaningful discussion of a ballot issue.
  2. The event is open or accessible to the public, either in person or online.
  3. The host is nonpartisan, or the event is clearly presented and conducted as a nonpartisan civic program.
  4. The event focuses on a meaningful contested race or ballot issue relevant to Washington voters.
  5. Voters can access the conversation, whether in person, by livestream or through a publicly available recording.
  6. Reliable event information is available from the host or another verifiable source.
  7. The event passes human review by Seattle CityClub for inclusion in a nonpartisan voter resource.

KNOW ABOUT AN EVENT?

Washington is a big state, and civic conversations happen in communities of every size.

If you are hosting or know about a candidate debate, forum or other qualifying event that should be considered for the calendar, send it our way. CityClub will review the event using the criteria above before adding it to the calendar.

 

Submit an event