Galloway, N.J. – 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 Galloway and Atlantic City, 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 and Press of Atlantic City websites.

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; Campus Center Theatre, Galloway campus, sponsored by the Hughes Center and Atlantic County League of Women voters.
• Oct. 6, 6 p.m.: Legislative District 2 State Senate, followed at 7 p.m. by District 2 State Assembly; John F. Scarpa Academic Center, Atlantic City campus, sponsored by Hughes Center and The Press of Atlantic City.
• Oct. 19, 7 p.m.:  Atlantic City mayor; John F. Scarpa Academic Center, Atlantic City campus, sponsored by Hughes Center and The Press of Atlantic City.
• Oct. 20, 7 p.m.: Atlantic County clerk, followed by Atlantic County District 3 commissioner, Meeting Room 5, Campus Center, Galloway campus, sponsored by Hughes Center and Atlantic County League of Women Voters.

“Part of the mission of all of the debate sponsors is to engage voters to help them make informed choices in their local elections,” said John Froonjian, Hughes Center executive director. “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 Hughes Center-Press 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.