Welcome!
Introducing our 2024 Washington State Debate Coalition
Schedule and Partnerships
Seattle CityClub and GSBA are proud to co-host the 2024 Washington State Debates, a series of conversations with candidates across the greater Seattle area, providing a platform for candidates to present their visions and address key issues. This engaging series includes debates for the Seattle City Council, Attorney General, OSPI, and Governor. Join us at various locations this September and October to be part of these crucial conversations that define our democracy.
Civically Engaged Youth Council (CEYC) will play an integral role in the debates this year. Learn more about the CEYC.
Does your organization believe that making public debates available to all voters is crucial to a functioning democracy? If you are interested in being a Washington State Debate Coalition sponsor, please contact our Executive Director, Alicia Crank. You can also view our sponsorship offerings.
Our History
The WA State Debate Coalition (WSDC) was founded in 2016 by Seattle CityClub and has served thousands of live debate attendees and over 3 million people through broadcast, print and online platforms. The WSDC is a public service made possible through the joint efforts of civic leaders, nonpartisan organizations, civic groups, colleges and universities, donors, sponsors, and a strong group of media partners.
All Coalition members are committed to ensuring free, public access to live, moderated debates between candidates holding and/or seeking elected office. This program demonstrates Seattle CityClub’s commitment to providing civic information, fostering civil, non-partisan engagement and enabling access to candidates for statewide offices such as Governor, Attorney General, OSPI, and U.S. Senate.
An Annual Seattle CityClub Commitment
As part of Seattle CityClub’s Building Resilient Communities initiative, local or state-wide debates will be held annually, according to the needs of the community. Thank you to our generous supporters for helping the WSDC address polarization through civil, public debate.
Frequently Asked Questions and History of Support >>
Watch Live!
2024 Debate Schedule
Seattle City Council Debate
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 7:00 PM
Seattle Central College, Seattle, WA
Join us for the Seattle City Council Debate on September 18 at 7:00 PM at Seattle Central College. Co-hosted by Seattle CityClub and GSBA, this debate will illuminate the candidates’ positions on key issues affecting our city.
Click here to register and submit a question.
Attorney General
Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Location: Seattle Central College, Seattle, WA
Attend the Attorney General Debate on September 19 at 8:00 PM at Seattle Central College. Seattle CityClub and GSBA are proud to present this forum where candidates will debate their visions for upholding justice in our state. Purchase your tickets now and engage with the future of our legal system.
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 7:00 PM
Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds, WA
Don’t miss the OSPI Debate on September 26 at 7:00 PM at the Edmonds Center for the Arts. Co-hosted by Seattle CityClub and GSBA, this debate will cover the candidates’ plans for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the future of education in Washington. Secure your tickets today for an insightful evening.
Watch the Debates
Seattle City Council, Position 8
September 18, 2024
Attorney General
September 19, 2024
Presenting Sponsors
Premier Media Partners
Click on each partner image to view their debate broadcast and live-streaming options
Event and Venue Partners
Civic Sponsors
DEI Commitment
We are committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). In all debates, we are integrating five elements to maximize access and inclusion:
Distance – Shrinking the physical distance between communities and those that represent them so the people can hold elected officials accountable.
Discussion – Ensuring the topics of conversation and contestation reflect the needs of diverse communities.
Design – Recognizing that what it means to “debate” sounds different to different cultures and creating the spaces to recognize that plurality.
Debrief – Ensuring we have diverse perspectives contextualizing the conversation for our audiences.
Resources – Supplementing the debates with educational resources that respect different backgrounds.