Letter: League of Women Voters forum canceled for lack of candidate participation

To the editor:

On March 22, the League of Women Voters of Central Kane County extended an invitation to 14 candidates running for office in contested races in Kane County. The forum was scheduled for Monday, May 9, beginning at 7 p.m. at Batavia City Hall. The event was to be presented in a hybrid format where candidates present, small audience, aired live on BATV YouTube Channel and available later in a recording on various websites.

Each candidate invitation included specific guidelines to ensure equity and fairness; the candidates were required to agree to the acceptance of ground rules by the established deadline.

The League also prohibits “empty chair” forums. There must be a minimum of two candidates per office participating in order for the forum to occur.

Because there was insufficient response for participation from the candidates, the forum has been canceled.

The League strives to promote civil dialogue between candidates. This was to have been a “forum” and not a debate. Forums are designed to provide a safe space for candidates to share their views on issues of importance to the voting public.

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan, grassroots, political organization that encourages active and informed participation in government. It welcomes members from all political persuasions. We strive to influence public policy through education and advocacy.

Unfortunately, voters will not have an opportunity to be educated on issues of importance as a result of the candidates’ failure to participate in the May 9 forum.

Patti Lackman, Jean Pierce, Llona Steele

Vice Presidents

League of Women Voters of Central Kane County