League of Women voters hosts innovative candidate forum in Alpena
Trending
ALPENA -- More than 60 community members gathered Wednesday evening for an innovative approach to local politics at the League of Women Voters of Northeast
Michigan's "Candidating" forum.
The event featured Alpena Public Schools Board of Education candidates Evan Carlson, Sarah Fritz, Claire Kipfmiller, AJ MacArthur, and Kayla Ratz. Unlike the traditional debate structure, the forum utilized a speed-dating-inspired format where candidates rotated among roundtables to engage directly with small groups of voters.
Community feedback on the interactive format was overwhelmingly positive.
Attendees commented that they appreciated the opportunity for direct, one-on-one dialogue, while candidates noted that the small-group setting allowed them to feel more genuinely connected to the public than a standard podium-style forum.
“We were looking for a fresh format where voters and candidates could interact with each other directly and conversationally,” said Kathy Bower, President of the League of Women Voters of Northeast Michigan.
The League of Women Voters of Northeast Michigan is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering voters and defending democracy.