ST. GEORGE — The Utah Debate Commission and the Dixie State University Institute of Politics and Public Affairs are partnering to host the first Utah Debate Commission event to be held in Washington County. The Utah Attorney General debate will take place Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Dixie State’s Dolores Doré Eccles Fine Arts Center. The event is free, but tickets will be required for entrance.
The debate will host Republican incumbent Sean D. Reyes and Democratic challenger Jon V. Harper and will be moderated by retired broadcast journalist Bruce Lindsay. Candidates will be asked about a variety of issues, including questions generated by residents. To submit questions, visit the Utah Debate Commission website.
“Debates matter, especially in a national election cycle that has taken a turn toward the unexpected,” Henrie Walton, director of Dixie State’s Institute of Politics and Public Affairs, said. “Too often, we assume our voices don’t matter. This debate is an opportunity to remind ourselves that they do.”
The televised debate is in advance of the Nov. 8 general election, for which Utah residents can register to vote by Nov. 1 at the Vote Utah website or at a local county clerk’s office.
The Utah Debate Commission is a consortium of higher educational institutions, media organizations and business and civic leaders dedicated to creating a nonpartisan and independent system of debates for statewide and federal offices in Utah during each election cycle.
The commission educates voters about viable candidates and their issue positions, promotes a civil exchange of ideas among the leading candidates and elevates the discussion of the most important issues confronting the state of Utah.
“It is important that Southern Utah be represented by state leaders,” Walton said. “This is an opportunity for the state attorney general candidates to learn about and answer questions on the issues relevant not only to Utah, but Southern Utah.”
Dixie State’s Institute of Politics and Public Affairs opened at the beginning of the 2016-17 academic year and serves the community as a hub for civic engagement, student leadership and public policy education and research.
Debate tickets are free but required to be admitted. Tickets are available in advance by contacting Walton at [email protected] or arriving at the event earlier than 5:30 to get a ticket at the door.
Event details
- What: Utah Attorney General debate.
- When: Wednesday, Sept. 21, 6 p.m. Attendees must be seated by 5:45 p.m.
- Where: Dixie State University’s Dolores Doré Eccles Fine Arts Center, 225 S. 700 East, St. George.
- Admission: Tickets are free but required to enter. Tickets are available in advance by contacting Walton at [email protected] or arriving at the event earlier than 5:30 to get a ticket at the door.
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