Stockton to present a series of candidate debates

The William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University, partnering with The Press of Atlantic City and the Atlantic County League of Women Voters, will sponsor a series of debates with candidates in this fall's state legislative, Atlantic City and Atlantic County elections.

The debates will be held in person on Stockton University's campuses in Atlantic City and Galloway Township, subject to State of New Jersey orders and COVID-19 safety regulations in place at the time. All of the debates will also be livestreamed on the Hughes Center website.

Major party candidates in each of the races have agreed to participate. Debate rules and formats are still being finalized.

Here are the dates, locations and partners of the scheduled debates.

• Sept: 23, 7 p.m.: At-large Atlantic County commissioner, Atlantic County District 2 commissioner and Atlantic County District 5 commissioner at the Campus Center Theatre, Galloway Township campus.


• Oct. 6, 6 p.m.: Legislative District 2 State Senate, followed at 7 p.m. by District 2 State Assembly at the John F. Scarpa Academic Center, Atlantic City campus.


• Oct. 19, 7 p.m.:  Atlantic City mayor at the John F. Scarpa Academic Center, Atlantic City campus.


• Oct. 20, 7 p.m.: Atlantic County clerk, followed by Atlantic County District 3 commissioner at Meeting Room 5, Campus Center, Galloway Township campus.

Part of the mission of all of the debate sponsors is to engage voters to help them make informed choices in their local elections, Hughes Center Executive Director John Froonjian said. Debates allow voters to observe the candidates as they respond to questions on the issues.

Major party candidates and those who meet minimum state campaign finance contribution and expense thresholds will be invited to participate in the debates. The League of Women Voters follow rules within their organization that determine the types of debates and formats in which they participate, which differ from those of The Press and Hughes Center.