Candidates and Candidates Forums
See below for campaign finance and other information about candidates on your ballot.
What is a Candidates Forum?
We invite ALL candidates on the ballot for a contest to answer questions and give statements before the public. Each candidate will have the same amount of time to speak. Most of our forums are now online.
​
How will it help me decide my vote?
-
You can watch and listen to candidates address issues in more than just a brief sound bite.
-
You can submit questions to be asked of all candidates.
-
You may choose between candidates based on direct observations.
-
You become engaged in the political process.
​
What should I consider while viewing?
We suggest you watch and listen with these ideas in mind:
-
Think ahead and decide which issues are most import to you.
-
Is the candidate answering the question? Pay attention to HOW the candidate answers the questions. Are they specific? Sincere? Knowledgeable?
-
Based on the candidate's responses: Do they reflect your values? Does he or she support the priorities and issues that you care about?
-
We ask all candidates to agree to these rules.
Candidates Forums for the November 5, 2024 Election
All candidates forums for this election have been held.
​​​
Videos of Candidates Forums
We have videos of some past candidate forums so you can see them now.
​
-
San Jose City Council District 2. This was a live forum held on Sept. 5 with candidates Pamela Campos and Joe Lopez.
-
Alum Rock Unified School District. September 24. Candidates are: Corina Herrera-Loera, Matt Karnes, Minh Nguyen (not present), and Brenda Zendejas.
-
San Jose Unified School District Trustee Area #5. October 1. Candidates are Rami Gideoni, Nicole Gribstad, and Lenka Wright.
-
Franklin McKinley School District. October 24. Candidates are Joshua Andrew N. Harrington, Hong Ha Hoang, Josue David Gonzalez, Milan Balinton, HG "Hanh Giao" Nguyen, and George Sanchez.
-
Santa Clara City Council District 1. October 16. Candidates are Harbir K. Bhatia, Satish "Sunny" Chandra, and Albert González.
-
Santa Clara City Council District 4. October 16. Candidates are Teresa O'Neill and Kevin Nara Park. ​
-
Santa Clara City Council District 5. October 17. Candidates are Suds Jain and David Kertes.
-
Santa Clara City Council District 6. October 29. Candidates are George Guerra, Kelly G. Cox (could not attend), and Anthony J. Becker.
-
Santa Clara City Clerk. October 22. Candidates are Poornima Gopi, Steve Kelly, Bob O'Keefe, and Paul Tacci.
Request a Candidates Forum?
The League of Women Voters San Jose/Santa Clara partners with local neighborhood associations, cities, parent organizations, and diverse community groups to sponsor Candidates Forums. If your organization would like to work with us to produce a Forum, please ask us starting about 3 months before election day.