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 Forum for the November 4, 2025 Election

The Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County are holding a forum for the four candidates running for Assessor of Santa Clara County in this special election: Yan Zhao, Rishi Kumar, Neysa Fligor, and Bryan Do

What are the responsibilities of the Assessor?

Identify all taxable property and determine its fair value, according to law.
Apply exemptions as appropriate.

Come ask your questions on Oct. 7, 2025 at the Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N. Stelling Rd., Cupertino from 7:00-8:30pm. You can also stay to listen to the Pros & Cons for Proposition 50 and Santa Clara County Measure A from 8:30-9:00pm. Register here! This event will be recorded.

Videos of Candidates Forums

As available, we will post them here.

Request a Forum Moderator

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.