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Council discusses meet‑the‑candidates formats and hosting; staff to coordinate city event and coordinate with League of Women Voters
Summary
Riverdale councilors discussed candidate‑forum formats and agreed the city should host a candidate event before the election; staff will contact candidates and outside groups, including the League of Women Voters, to coordinate dates and formats.
Riverdale City Council members discussed how the city should handle “meet‑the‑candidates” events for the upcoming general election and whether to collaborate with outside organizations such as the League of Women Voters (LWV).
Background and formats
Councilors described two commonly used formats: an “open house” where candidates set up tables and meet residents informally, and a moderated question‑and‑answer or debate format conducted by a host organization. Several councilors said the city historically sponsored an event and that open‑house formats drew smaller crowds than older Q&A/debate formats; others said a professionally moderated LWV event can draw participation and lend structure.
Council direction and staff tasking
Council members agreed the city should provide and sponsor a candidate forum around election time so residents have at least one local opportunity to meet candidates. Staff (Mr. Brooks) said he will reach out to the LWV and to all candidates to coordinate dates and formats and attempt to consolidate events into a single evening if feasible. The council discussed an Oct. 13 date as a viable option because ballots would be mailed the following week; LWV had advertised a Sept. 24 library event but had since moved its date.
Election logistics raised during the meeting
City staff asked the council whether to remove uncontested races from the printed ballot; staff reported that removing uncontested races would not save money and that doing so might affect reporting and candidate filing rules. Council members discussed write‑in rules and the Aug. 29 filing deadline for those seeking election. No final change to the ballot plan was made at the meeting; staff said they would report back to the council in the coming days.
Why it matters: The council’s decision affects voter access to candidate information and the optics of non‑city groups hosting candidate forums. Councilors said they want a consistent, city‑sponsored option and are comfortable allowing other nonpartisan groups to organize separate events as long as the city provides at least one forum.
Provenance: City staff discussion and council debate, Sept. 2, 2025.
