Catchy campaign slogans, bright posters and colorful buttons have been seen around campus for the last couple of weeks, and by now many students at least know the names of this year’s ASUO presidential candidates.
But students will have the opportunity to meet the candidates face-to-face and drill the Executive hopefuls with questions about their platforms and goals at the candidate’s debate tonight, from 7 to 9 p.m. in Room 110 Law School.
Four students from the Emerald and ASUO will monitor the debate, pose specific questions about the candidates’ platforms and allow time for rebuttals between candidates.
The ASUO will be represented on the moderator panel by Student Senator Mary Elizabeth Madden and ASUO Vice President Holly Magner. Emerald editorial editor Michael J. Kleckner and student activities editor Jeremy Lang will represent the newspaper.
These four will focus their questions on the candidates’ platform specifics and how the ASUO works.
Kleckner said he encourages all students to attend the debate and take advantage of the opportunity to learn about the candidates.
“We want students to get a more in-depth and personal look at the candidates,” he said.
After candidates finish answering questions asked by monitors, the debate will turn into an open forum, and audience members will have the chance to ask their own questions.
ASUO publicity coordinator Stephanie Chaney, who is working on election events, said that sometimes students vote without being completely informed, and the goal of the debate is to help prevent this.
“A lot of students don’t even know what the ASUO does,” she said. “The debate is the place for students to find out more about who and what they’re voting for.”