Active civic engagement, including voting, contributes to the health and economic vitality of local communities. People who vote are more likely to connect with neighbors, talk to elected officials, and engage civically in other ways.

Candidate Forum Checklist

4 MONTHS:

  • Approach partners about collaborating
  • Select potential dates and locations for the forum
  • Decide on a forum format.
  • Draft a budget

3 MONTHS:

  • Contact the candidates. Get their agreement on participating and dates.
  • Make preliminary media contacts to promote and cover the event

2 MONTHS:

  • Select a moderator
  • Develop a plan for publicity and audience turnout

1 MONTH:

  • Final confirmation of candidates
  • Reconfirm site arrangements
  • Recruit and confirm volunteers
  • Create promotional materials: poster, social media, press release.
  • Ramp up media contact and other communications.

LESS THAN 1 MONTH:

  • Continue to recruit attendees. Emails, social media, calls.
  • Contact volunteers to confirm their duties at the forum
  • Final media reminders and press release
  • Select a timekeeper.
  • A/V and other advance set up arranged.

Suggested Resources