The Clallam County League of Women Voters is changing candidate forum formats this fall.
The new format events, called “Democracy Days” — will serve as voter information events, but there will be no formal question-and-answer periods.
Candidates and supporters and opponents of the issues will each get a table, and guests can circulate between the tables to talk to each as they wish, said Norma Turner, a member of the league.
Forums are planned in Sequim, Forks and Port Angeles.
At past candidate forums, the candidates sat at large tables at the front of the room and fielded audience questions through by a league moderator.
The nonpartisan group is trying the new format because of the relatively quiet election, large number of uncontested candidates, and few regional and state-wide resolutions and initiatives on the Nov. 5 ballot, Turner said.
Guests who attend the event will receive an entry to a drawing for a $100 gift card to one of three stores.
If the format works out, it may be used again in the future, either in addition to the traditional forums during major elections, or alone during small or quiet elections, said Linda Benson, chair of the league’s voter services committee.
The forums will take place in Port Angeles, Sequim and Forks.
In Sequim, the new-look forum will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Sequim Senior Activity Center, at 921 E. Hammond St.
Candidates invited to the event include those running for three Sequim City Council seats, two Sequim School Board members, Clallam County Fire District No. 3, Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center, Olympic Medical Center hospital district and the Port of Port Angeles District 1 commissioner.
Supporters and opponents of two state initiatives, five state advisory votes, and two Port of Port Angeles initiatives also have been offered space at the event.
Those who attend the Sequim forum will be eligible to win a $100 Costco gift card.
In Forks, a forum will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 6 at Forks Community Center, 91 Maple Ave.
Those who attend the Forks forum will be eligible to win a $100 Thriftway gift card.
Candidates invited to attend the event include those running for Forks mayor, Forks City Council, Forks Community Hospital District, Cape Flattery School District, Quillayute School District, Quillayute Parks & Recreation, Clallam County Fire District No. 1 and the Port of Port Angeles District 1 commissioner.
Supporters and opponents of two state initiatives, five state advisory votes, and two Port of Port Angeles initiatives have also been offered space at the event.
In Port Angeles, a forum will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. October 13 at the Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.
Candidates invited to attend include those running for four Port Angeles City Council positions, two Port Angeles School Board positions, three Olympic Medical Center positions, Clallam County Fire District No. 2, three Crescent School District positions and the Port of Port Angeles District 1 commissioner.
Supporters and opponents of two state initiatives, five state advisory votes and two Port of Port Angeles initiatives also have been offered space at the event.
Those who attend the Port Angeles forum will be eligible to win a $100 Safeway gift card.
________
Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
