Candidates for national, statewide and local elections will visit Iowa State Monday, eight days out from the election.
Candidates are expected to be in attendance for races including Iowa Governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Auditor of State, Treasurer of State, Secretary of Agriculture, Story County Board of Supervisors, Iowa Senate and Iowa House.
From 6 to 8:30 p.m., candidates will have tables set up in the Sunroom of the Memorial Union, and students or community members will be able to speak with candidates at their respective tables.
Director of Governmental Affairs Brooke Piekema and Director of Civics and Open Discussion Brett Radaszewski coordinated the event by contacting every local and statewide campaign via phone and email.
Radaszewski hopes students use the event to share their own ideas for progress with candidates.
“We all see those ads and commercials,” Radaszewski said. “‘If you have something to say, call this number or email this email.’ I’ve done all that doing this event, and you can’t reach anybody. It’s very difficult. I want students and the community to be informed when they go to vote on Nov. 3… I want them to be able to put a face to the name.”
Event planning started in early September after Student Government President Brody Kuhse brainstormed the idea.
No bags of any kind will be allowed at the event, and Iowa State Police will be in attendance.
“No megaphones, microphones, signage, anything like that,” Radaszewski said. “It’s more of just a social event where you can just go talk to the candidate. We’re not rallying. We’re not trying to gain support there.”
Radaszewski anticipates a large student turnout.
“This is a very competitive election, especially here in Iowa,” Radszewski said. “Just show up, get as many people there as we can… and we can have a lot of good discussion.”