LWVNOW inviting public to 7th Congressional District Candidate Forum watch parties

RHINELANDER – The League of Women Voters of the Northwoods (LWVNOW) is inviting the public to attend a free watch party for the 7th Congressional District Candidate Forum.

Watch parties will be held on Tuesday, July 21, in the Red Oak Building, Room 202, at Nicolet College in Rhinelander; and the Kalmar Senior Center in Eagle River.

In a release, LWVNOW explained that the forum will be held live at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau and livestreamed to community watch parties throughout Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District, ensuring voters across the area have the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates.

All eight candidates whose names appear on the Aug. 11 primary ballot were invited to participate in the forum. Candidates who have accepted the invitation by the League's Thursday, July 16 deadline will participate under the League of Women Voters' long-established, nonpartisan candidate forum procedures, according to the release.

“Candidate forums are a cornerstone of an informed electorate,” LWVNOW stated. “By providing a fair, impartial setting in which candidates answer the same questions and discuss issues of public concern, the League helps voters compare viewpoints, evaluate qualifications, and make informed decisions at the ballot box.”

The release said the League of Women Voters neither supports nor opposes political parties or candidates for public office.

“Every participating candidate is given an equal opportunity to respond to questions under procedures designed to ensure fairness and impartiality,” LWVNOW stated.

"We believe democracy works best when voters have access to accurate information and the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates," said Debra Durchslag, LWVNOW President. "Our goal is to provide a fair and respectful forum that helps voters make informed decisions before they cast their ballots."

“The public is encouraged to attend the free event, regardless of political affiliation or viewpoint,” LWVNOW said.