The stage at Braden Auditorium drew the eyes of the state for the live, televised gubernatorial debate of Democratic Governor JB Pritzker and Republican challenger Darren Bailey on October 6.
More than 1,200 people filled Braden for the only downstate televised debate before the November 8 election. The debate was hosted by Nexstar Media Group and presented by AARP and Illinois State University.
“Presenting this debate embodies Illinois State’s core value of civic engagement,” said Illinois State president Terri Goss Kinzy. “Our commitment to civic engagement is just one reason why Illinois State students go on to be leaders in their respective communities and careers.”
“AARP Illinois was proud to work with Illinois State University tonight to bring this lively discussion to two powerful voter blocs—AARP members and college students—who will be deciders in this Gubernatorial election,” said Philippe Largent, state director for AARP Illinois.
As the candidates exchanged verbal parries onstage, members of the Illinois State community took part in a debate watch party in the Brown Ballroom. Those gathered gained information on what to look for in a debate, took part in interactive activities during the debate, and heard post-debate reflections from a panel of speakers.
“This was a front row seat for many students to observe the democratic process as it unfolds,” said Harriet Steinbach, assistant director of the University’s Center for Civic Engagement. “This is also a fantastic teaching opportunity for students to gain knowledge about what they can take from the debate.”
More than 400 volunteers and employees from AARP, Nexstar, and Illinois State helped to bring the event to fruition. “It is amazing to really be engaged with an event that is important to the state, to my community—both at ISU and at home,” said Delaney Westen, a sophomore from Macomb, Illinois, who assisted with the event.
Voting and registration information can be found on the Voter Engagement Coalition website.
