Interest in this year’s presidential election continues to grow as the candidates enter their last month of campaigning.

National news polls indicate that record numbers of people either watched or listened to the first presidential debate in September and the vice-presidential debate on Oct. 2. Large numbers of citizens also are expected to tune in to the final two presidential debates on Oct. 7 and Oct. 15.

The League of Women Voters has been following presidential elections for 88 years. Our national office has developed a debate watch workbook to help voters get the most from these candidate exchanges.

The League also has condensed the debate watch material into five basic suggestions:

1.   Think ahead — Before the debate, ask yourself which issues are most important to you, and jot down what you’d like to learn from each of the candidates.

2.   Listen closely — Pay attention to how the candidates answer the questions. Did they answer the questions asked? Are they specific? Sincere? Knowledgeable?

3.   Keep track of topics — Are the candidates being asked about your priority issues? Are the questions fair and pertinent?

4.   Talk it out — Afterwards, talk about the debate with your friends and family. Did the debate sway your decision? Did you learn something new about the candidates’ positions?

5.   Vote on Nov. 4. It is your best opportunity to make your voice heard and help shape the issues that affect all of us. Visit VOTE411, the League’s Web site devoted to the 2008 elections, to prepare yourself for election day.

The League offers more tips on debate-watching at its main Web site, www.lwv.org. Select the “Debates 101” page.

Locally, the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics and Public Policy Interest Group, the Ames League of Women Voters and the YWCA Ames–ISU are hosting a debate watch for the Oct. 7 debate at 8 p.m. in Room 2121 of Martin Hall. 

Guests will use the National League of Women Voters debate watch workbook during the debate. Discussion will follow. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be served.

The Carrie Chapman Catt Center will also host a debate watch at the same location for the Oct. 15 debate.

All three hosting organizations are nonpartisan. We encourage members of the public to join us for an event where the dialogue from all perspectives is welcome.

Lauris Olson

President

Ames League of Women Voters