Debate season is upon us, so in the spirit of democracy and discussion we’re teaming up with Town Hall to present a series of Seattle City Council debates taking place across the city and streamed live on the web. The events get underway this week, with the first debate this Thursday, Sept. 17.
It’s the first City Council election under a new districted system, featuring seven district seats and two at-large seats. Seattle voters will choose three council members: one from their geographic district and two at-large members.
The seven district debates will feature moderated town-hall-style conversations in each district at a neighborhood venue. The two at-large debates will take place at the Seattle Central Library in partnership with CityClub and Friends of Seattle Public Library.
The format for the neighborhood district debates will feature panels of local journalists, community activists and civic leaders in conversation with the candidates.
Have a question for the candidates? Send them to debates@townhallseattle.org and specify which district race you’re writing about.
The debates are free, but registration is required. Find out when we’ll be in your neighborhood and join the conversation. Can’t make it? Watch live online or tune in for rebroadcasts on Seattle Channel cable 21.
Here’s the debate schedule:
District 1
Lisa Herbold and Shannon Braddock
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
District 5
Debora Juarez and Sandy Brown
7:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 19, Northgate Community Center
District 7
Sally Bagshaw and Deborah Zech-Artis
7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 21, Impact Hub
District 6
Mike O’Brien and Catherine Weatbrook
8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30, Phinney Neighborhood Center
District 4
Rob Johnson and Michael Maddux
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, University Heights Center
District 3
Kshama Sawant and Pamela Banks
7:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 4, Pigott Auditorium at Seattle University
District 2
Bruce Harrell and Tammy Morales
7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7, Rainier Valley Cultural Center
Districts 8 and 9
5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14, Seattle Central Library
Jon Grant and Tim Burgess (District 8)
Bill Bradburd and Lorena Gonzalez (District 9)
The event is free, but registration is required.
Stay tuned to the Seattle Channel for other election-related programs. And don’t forget to submit your ballot by Tuesday, Nov. 3!
