2020 Washington State Debate Coalition announces dates, partner details for debate series
SEATTLE – Continuing its tradition of hosting debates of statewide consequence, the Washington State Debate Coalition (WSDC) and its premier media partners will broadcast a gubernatorial debate between Gov. Jay Inslee and Sheriff Loren Culp on October 7. Additionally, candidates for Lieutenant Governor, State Sen. Marko Liias and US Rep. Denny Heck (WA-10), will debate October 22.
The October 7 debate between Inslee and Culp will be broadcast live from 8 – 9 p.m. immediately following the Vice-Presidential Debate. The October 22 debate will air from 8 – 9 p.m. immediately following that evening’s Presidential debates.
“With the litany of challenges our society faces, particularly systemic racism and the incredible disruptions due COVID-19, providing voters access to the plans, policies and qualifications of those who seek to govern has never been a more critical public service,” said Laura Lockard, Chairperson of the WSDC. “We are proud to partner with media organizations throughout the state to schedule, promote and broadcast the statewide public debates to engage and inform Washington voters.”
The WSDC is supported every election cycle by numerous media, education and civic partners, all committed to the belief that making public debates available to all is crucial to a functioning democracy. To see all WSDC 2020 partners, and to access Educational Resources and a WSDC FAQ, visit SeattleCityClub.org/our-programs/WSDC.
“KCTS 9 and Crosscut are proud to be a part of the Washington State Debate Coalition, and we’re proud to do our part to support an informed electorate participating fully in our state’s democratic processes,” said Victor Hernandez, Executive Editor of Cascade Public Media. “Especially in such difficult times, providing access to the public to make informed electoral decisions is, to us, a civic responsibility, and we thank all our statewide candidates for their willingness to serve and be counted publicly.”
The WSDC and its partners are committed to the safety and security of all candidates, staff and volunteers involved in the upcoming debates while our state continues fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, debates will be held at the broadcast facilities of TVW in Olympia, where all public health strictures and guidelines for social gatherings and face coverings will be followed.
About the WSDC
Founded by Seattle CityClub in 2016, the Washington State Debate Coalition has produced seven public debates, viewed more than 1.5 million total times, covering gubernatorial elections, U.S. Senate races, and more. It is sponsored by AARP and BNSF Railway. For more information, visit SeattleCityClub.org/our-programs/wsdc
About Seattle CityClub
Seattle CityClub is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization improving the civic health of the Puget Sound region by providing programs that bridge politics, sectors and generations to inform and engage residents and community leaders. For more information, visit SeattleCityClub.org