Special to IFN

Statesville voters will have an opportunity to hear directly from candidates for mayor and city council in a two-night public forum hosted by the Iredell County Democratic Party, in partnership with the Democratic Women of Iredell County and the African American Caucus of the Iredell County Democratic Party.

The forums will take place on Monday, September 22, and Tuesday, September 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the County Commissioner Room at the Iredell County Government Center, located at 202 S. Center Street, Statesville.

All races in the upcoming municipal elections are nonpartisan, and the forum is open to the public regardless of political affiliation. The goal is to give voters valuable, direct insight from the candidates before heading to the polls.

Forum Schedule

♦ Monday, September 22 – City Council At-Large (seven candidates) and Ward 5 (four candidates)
♦ Tuesday, September 23 – Mayor (five candidates), Ward 2 (one candidate), Ward 3 (two candidates)

Attendees can participate in person or watch live on Facebook via the Iredell County Democratic Party’s page. A Zoom link will also be posted on the Party’s Facebook page and website, and efforts are underway to provide a recorded version through ICTV for later viewing.

Each candidate will have time for opening and closing remarks, respond to pre-disclosed questions chosen at random, and meet with voters after the formal program. Speaking order will be determined by random draw, with candidates sequestered prior to their turn to ensure fairness. Written responses to all advance questions will also be available electronically for those interested.

“Local elections shape our day-to-day lives more than most people realize,” said Beth Kendall, chair of the Iredell County Democratic Party. “This forum gives every voter—no matter their political leanings—a chance to hear directly from the people who want to lead our city and make an informed choice on Election Day.”

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4.