SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - AARP is sponsoring candidate debates and bipartisan issue forums beginning Thursday on South Dakota Public Broadcasting.
Erik Nelson says the debates and forums will air on South Dakota Focus, a public affairs and news program.
Nelson says the forums offer a good opportunity for South Dakotans, including AARP members, to have access to the candidates to see where they stand on the issues in making an informed vote in November.
These are some of the first debates of the campaign season, and Nelson says all candidates will take part.
Nelson says all the candidates for the House and Senate have agreed to South Dakota Public Broadcasting forums that are being held this month. He says as elections draws closer, there fewer and fewer chances to get information, meaning there are great opportunities for everyone involved.
With ten ballot issues to be decided next month, Nelson says a forum later this month will focus on those.
He advises voters to go into the forums with an open mind and learn more about the candidates and the ballot initiatives. He says "be prepared when you vote this year."
The first forum Thursday will be between Senate candidates Democrat Jay Williams and incumbent Republican Senator John Thune.