CANDIDATE CRITERIA FOR TELEVISED
DEBATES
(revised November 2000)
Local Leagues may find themselves in a situation where the number of
candidates invited to a debate may need to be limited because of television
and time constraints, etc.
In those situations in which there will be limited invitations, please
be sure to adopt specific debate criteria prior to getting involved
in the implementation of the debate. You may wish to use the state League's
criteria as a guide. Modify these to apply to the LOCAL level.
Adoption of Goals and Criteria for Candidate Inclusion in League Sponsored
Debates
League Debates Goals and Criteria; the Federal Election Commission
Rules and Regulations (legal requirements)
The League of Women Voters of New Jersey is a nonpartisan political
organization whose primary purpose is to promote the informed and active
participation of citizens in their government.
Debate Goals:
League sponsored debated therefore should serve to
- educate the public;
- motivate voters to participation in the elections; and
- give voters a chance to hear the views of significant candidates.
Criteria for Candidate Inclusion:
To insure that these goals are met, the following criteria for candidate
participation for League debates will be considered.
- The candidate must meet the requirements of the New Jersey Constitution
and the United States Constitution.
- The candidate must meet all requirements to be on the ballot according
to state election laws.
- The candidate must have made a public announcement of his or her
candidacy.
- The candidate must show evidence that a formal campaign is being
waged, e.g., presence of headquarters (office, store-front or other
publicly accessible site other than the candidate's personal residence),
campaign telephone number, stationery and staff (campaign manager,
treasurer, PR person), scheduled campaign appearances, calendar of
events which the candidate will attend).
- Demonstration of voter interest and support. In assessing the significance
of a candidacy, the League will require that either: (a) a candidate's
party received at least 5% of the popular vote in the most recent
prior general election; or (b) by September 15th has shown
at least 15% support in a reputable statewide poll. The League may
consider other factors as well.
In all cases, the League will exercise its good faith judgment in deciding
whether or not a candidate has demonstrated sufficient voter interest
and support.
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