SVSU Great Lakes Bay Candidate Forums
The Great Lakes Bay Region Candidate Forums are designed to give students and community members an opportunity to hear directly from candidates in a fair, structured, and civil setting. These educational events are free and open to the public (ticketed for capacity), and are hosted by SVSU programs and student organizations committed to nonpartisan civic engagement. The forums are moderated by journalists or public figures with statewide recognition and a strong understanding of Michigan politics.
Each forum follows an established format: welcome remarks, a student-led civility pledge, opening statements, moderator questions, audience questions submitted through written comment cards, and closing statements. Forums are not debates—candidates answer without interruption, responses are timed, and moderators enforce rules consistently.
Sponsors and community partners support the forums by promoting attendance and encouraging civic participation. SVSU is proud to provide a respectful space where voters can learn, compare ideas, and engage in democracy.
Upcoming Forums
How to Attend
- Cost: No cost to attend.
- Ticketing: Ticket registration is required for capacity/seating management.
- Seating: Seating may be organized by section (Sponsors/Hosts, Students, General Public).
- Accessibility: If you need accommodations, contact us in advance (see Contact section).
Forum Format
- Welcome (SVSU / forum host)
- Student civility pledge (at the start of each forum)
- Moderator explains format + timing + how audience questions work
- Opening statements
- Moderator questions
- Audience questions (written comment cards)
- Closing statements
Rules + Policies
- These are forums, not debates—candidates answer without interruption.
- Candidates are expected to remain civil and avoid personal attacks.
Questions
- Moderators prepare questions from topic areas submitted by SVSU student organizations.
- Questions are not provided in advance to candidates.
- Topic areas may be shared with campaigns ahead of time (example used: no later than 5 days).
Timing and Speaking Order
- Responses are timed (example model: 1:30 per response).
- A coin toss backstage determines who answers first; moderators alternate thereafter.
- Moderators enforce time; a visible digital clock may be used.
Rebuttals
- Limited rebuttal may be used (example model: :30; no counter-rebuttals).
Audience Questions
- Audience questions are submitted using written comment cards (no open mic).
- Cards are collected during the program and provided to moderators.
- Moderators choose which questions to ask and may combine/edit similar questions for clarity.
Podiums, Notes, and Movement
- Candidates stand at podiums with fixed microphones; no pacing the stage.
- Candidates may not bring prepared notes/remarks to the podium; pen and blank paper may be provided for note-taking.
Campaign Materials
- Campaign literature/tables are located outside the theatre (example model: Groening Commons).
- No campaign materials (including signs) may be brought into the theatre itself.
Safety / Security
- SVSU Police provide security before, during, and after the event.
- Entry policies (including no-bag if implemented) are posted on event details and at check-in.
Civility Pledge
- We will listen respectfully and allow candidates to complete their answers.
- We will not heckle or disrupt.
- We will treat others with dignity and keep the forum civil.
Candidate Eligibility
Candidates are invited if they meet at least one of the following:
1. Polling threshold: The candidate is at or above 10% in a publicly available and reputable poll of the race; or
2. Prior election threshold: The candidate represents a political party that received at least 10% of total votes cast in the prior election for that seat.
Note: If a campaign believes it meets the polling threshold, the hosts will review publicly available documentation.
Hosts + Sponsors
Hosts are responsible for development and execution of the forum (rules, format, logistics, volunteers, day-of operations).
- Cardinals Vote
- Pi Sigma Alpha
- SVSU College Republicans
- SVSU College Democrats
- Henry Marsh Institute for Public Policy
Sponsors / Co-sponsors
Sponsors are responsible for promoting the event and driving attendance. Additionally, sponsors may receive tickets in a designated Sponsor Section (when applicable).
Media Info
- Media may attend. Local/regional outlets are often present.
- There is typically no spin room; candidates may meet with media after the program in designated areas.
- Livestream/recording decisions (if any) will be posted on the event listing.
FAQ
Is it free? Yes—there is no cost to attend.
Why is it ticketed? To manage capacity and seating.
How do I ask a question? Fill out a written comment card; moderators choose which questions are asked.
Can I bring campaign signs into the theatre? No. Campaign materials remain outside the theatre at designated tables/areas.
Is there a spin room? No. Media may speak with candidates after the program in designated areas.
What topics will be covered? Forum topics vary by race and are informed by student organizations (examples include education, affordability, energy/environment, state budget, constitutional rights).
Past Forums
(2024) U.S. House of Representatives – Michigan's 8th District
Kristen McDonald Rivet
Paul Junge
(2022) Michigan State Senate – 35th District
Kristen McDonald Rivet
Annette Glenn
(2022) U.S. House of Representatives – Michigan’s 8th District
Dan Kildee
Paul Junge
(2022) Michigan State Senate – 35th District
Kristen McDonald Rivet
Annette Glenn
(2008) Michigan House of Representatives - 94th District
Ken Horn
Bob Blaine
(2008) Michigan House of Representatives – 97th District
Jim Stamas
Garnet Lewis
(2006) Michigan House of Representatives – 94th District
Ken Horn
Bob Blaine
(2006) Michigan State Senate – 32nd District
Roger Kahn
Carl Williams