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.

2026 General Election: November 3

Be sure you are registered to vote to choose state and local candidates and issues.

See information from our Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters for the November 3 election.

See the Candidate Forums we are conducting: click on each forum item to see more information about this event including how to register to attend and how to ask a question of all candidates.

View Candidates Forums

See videos of past forums to help you decide your vote. We will publish more as they become available.

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.