Two upcoming political forums will give voters a chance to hear the positions of candidates in this year’s local elections.

The first is planned by The League of Women Voters of Northern Fairfield County (LWVNFC), in collaboration with the Newtown Democratic and Republican Town Committees. A debate of First Selectman and Board of Selectmen candidates is set for Tuesday, October 24, at the Edmond Town Hall Theatre, 45 Main Street.

The debate is at 7:30 pm, doors will open to the public at 6.

Candidates in the spotlight will include Republicans Jeff Capeci and running mate John Madzula, and Democrats Dan Cruson and running mate Michelle Embree Ku.

This debate will follow the rules established by the League of Women Voters US, ensuring a fair and impartial platform for candidates to communicate their messages to the voters.

The LWVNFC, and Western CT State University students, are joining forces to provide the community with essential insights into the candidates and their visions for the upcoming municipal election. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of community engagement and education in the democratic process.

The league is inviting the public to participate by coming early to submit questions in person. Submitted questions will help shape the debate and address the issues that matter most to the Newtown community.

Those planning to attend should note that no political or campaign apparel, signs, or material will be allowed inside the venue on Tuesday.

BOE Forum Wednesday

On Wednesday, October 25, Newtown’s Parent-Teacher Association and Parent Teacher Student Association will be conducting an informational forum featuring Board of Education candidates.

The forum will be held from 7:30 to 9 pm in the Newtown High School lecture hall (Room A107).

The candidates participating are Democrats Alison Plante, John Vouros, and Chris Gilson; Republicans Shannon Tomai, Todd Higgins, and Brennan Coakley; and Independent Bruce Walczak.

The session will provide each candidate the opportunity to answer four predetermined questions.

Attendees will be given the opportunity to submit questions on the night of the forum before the event, or questions can be e-mailed by October 22 to newtownptaboeforum@gmail.com.

All questions will be reviewed and if suitable, may be selected at random to pose to candidates if time allows. Questions from the audience will not be taken during the session.

This is a non-partisan event; Newtown PTAs do not endorse candidates. Organizers say the forum offers Newtown voters an unbiased forum during which to listen to prospective BOE members.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 7, with polling from 6 am to 8 pm at Newtown Middle School for District 1, Newtown High School for District 2, and Reed Intermediate School for District 3.

Registered Newtown voters are voting this year for First Selectman, and members of Legislative Council, Board of Assessment Appeals, Board of Education, Board of Finance, Board of Selectmen, Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers, Planning & Zoning Commission, Police Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals.

Absentee & Early Voting

Any person eligible to vote in the Municipal Election who is unable to appear in person for one or more of the reasons set forth below in Connecticut General Statutes Section 9-135, may cast their vote by submitting an absentee ballot application by either applying in person, dropping off application in the official ballot drop boxes located outside each entrance to the Municipal building, going to the online portal hosted by the Secretary of the State, or by mailing to Town Clerk, 3 Primrose Street, Newtown CT 06470.

Reasons justifying absentee balloting are active service in the Armed Forces of the United States; absence from my town of residence; sickness; religious tenets that forbid secular activity on the day of the election, primary or referendum; fulfilling duties as a primary, election or referendum official at a polling place other than my own during all of the hours of voting; or physical disability.

Local absentee ballot information can be found on the Town Clerk’s webpage at newtown-ct.gov/town-clerk or by calling the office at 203-270-4210.

The Town Clerk’s office will also be available for special absentee voting hours on Saturday, November 4, from 9 am to noon. The office is within Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street.

Associate Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.