By: Raven Lirio
PLU has been selected to host the official 2018 U.S. Senate Debate for Washington State on October 6. In attendance will be representatives from both democratic and republican parties running for office.
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) has always been at the forefront of student civic engagement and representation, which resulted in a very strong application for this debate. However, this is not the first time PLU has applied to host such an important event.
Back in 2016, PLU placed a bid to host the gubernatorial debate for governor but unfortunately was not selected. But due to PLU’s engaged student populace, active political engagement and demographics, PLU was a forerunner for this debate hosted by the Washington State Debate Coalition, which was founded by the Seattle CityClub. This is particularly special to the Parkland area since Legislative District 29, which includes most of Tacoma, has the lowest voter turnout in the entire state. The hope is that this opportunity will help boost political engagement throughout the district.
“Knowing and learning about candidates gives us agency for voices to be heard,” said Director of Forensics Justin Eckstein. “Elections matter and it is too easy to think your vote doesn’t count, but it really does.”
There are currently 50 tickets available for PLU students, 25 of which will be distributed among Writing 101 and Communications classes. The remaining 25 tickets are to be raffled off to students that sign up via a Google Form that will be sent to all PLU emails.
PLU has partnered up with Bethel School District, Eatonville School District, Franklin Pierce School District and Tacoma Public Schools to give voters and children of voters a chance to participate. While tickets are limited, PLU’s Debate Team, in collaboration with ASPLU and RHA, will be hosting a watch party live stream in Xavier 201 for students who would like watch. Tables and chairs will be moved out to allow more students the chance to come and watch.
Similar to the U.S. Presidential Debates, questions will be asked to each candidate from a selection of predetermined questions by the Debate Coalition, however, guests can participate by asking questions via Twitter using the hashtag #WAELEX.
“It is a rare but inspiring experience to hear and watch two people tell you what they would do to represent you at the federal level,” said ASPLU President Haedon Brunelle. “It is a memory you will have for the rest of your life.”
Again tickets are limited but any citizens can also check out the Seattle CityClub Page for more information on how to get tickets for the event. There are multiple ways to get involved and see the debate in action so it’s an opportunity students really can’t miss.
“There is something special about being able to ask a question directly to someone who wants to represent you and let it be answered,” said Brunelle. “This will hopefully help motivate the community of Parkland as well as District 29, Tacoma, and Pierce County to really get out there and advocate for their representation in politics.”
