LWVMC to host two candidate forums ahead of midterm election
When: September 23, 2026: Doors will open at 5:30 p.m
Where: Citizens’ Forum Room at Lakeview Arena
When: October 6, 2026: Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
Where: the Ishpeming High School auditorium
In an effort to ensure a well-informed electorate, the League of Women Voters of Marquette County will host two public candidate forums ahead of the midterm election, giving constituents an opportunity to hear directly from the individuals running to represent them.
The first forum will be for the Marquette City Commission candidates on September 23, 2026. The forum will take place at the Citizens’ Forum Room at Lakeview Arena (401 E Fair Ave., Marquette, MI 49855). All seven candidates have been invited. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the forum starting at 6 p.m.
The second forum will be for the Ishpeming Mayoral and City Council candidates on October 6, 2026. The forum will take place at the Ishpeming High School auditorium (319 E Division St., Ishpeming, MI 49849). All eight candidates have been invited. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the forum starting at 6 p.m.
The LWVMC is known for its on-time, professional, and non-partisan forums. No campaign clothing, buttons, or hats may be worn by the audience or candidates. All candidates sign the League Guidelines, promising to answer questions directly to the audience, with no debate or crosstalk with other candidates. They also promise to be civil and to abide by their time limits. After the forum, there will be time to mingle with the candidates, and they may then have campaign materials available.
Residents can submit questions in advance for both forums by emailing lwvmqtco@gmail.com or writing them on the cards provided during the forum. A League Moderator will ask the questions, and all candidates will answer them. We will ask as many questions as time allows and try to cover all topics of interest. Questions may be revised for clarity and appropriateness.
Both forums will be live-streamed and recorded on the LWVMC YouTube channel, which is public. The link will be posted on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Candidates may share the link on their social media, but no clips or still photos may be used in campaign materials.
The League of Women Voters of Marquette County is a non-profit, non-partisan, political, volunteer organization that never supports or opposes a candidate or party. The League does take stands on issues and legislative bills after close study and consensus-taking. Anyone over 16 can become a member, and all genders are welcome.
Thank you!
Andie Balenger
Communications Coordinator & Spokesperson