The Washington State Debate Coalition hosts its first U.S. Senate debate between incumbent Patty Murray, D, and her Republican challenger, Auburn’s Chris Vance, at the John J. Hemmingson Center Ballroom on the Gonzaga University campus in Spokane on Sunday, Oct. 16.

Gonzaga University, Washington State University-Spokane, Eastern Washington University, Community Colleges of Spokane and Whitworth University host the debate. The Seattle CityClub founded the coalition.

“We’re excited to work on this debate with an outstanding collaboration of debate hosts representing higher education institutions in Spokane,” says Diane Douglas, executive director of Seattle CityClub. “Voters want to make smart, informed choices about the candidates vying for their support, and the collaboration is leading that charge in Eastern Washington.”

The debate will feature a town hall format with audience member questions. Guests can submit candidate questions that may be asked during the live debate at seattlecityclub.org.

“There is so much at stake this election for families in Washington state, and I look forward to this upcoming debate in Spokane as another important opportunity to talk to voters about the issues they care about most and my plans to keep fighting for them and their priorities,” Murray said. “People want to hear what our plans are to create jobs and grow the economy in a way that works for all families, not just the wealthiest few—and this debate is another great opportunity for voters to ask these questions directly and see where the candidates stand.”

“Campaigns should be about more than big money and TV commercials,” Vance said. “I am so grateful to the Washington State Debate Coalition for giving voters a chance to hear directly from candidates. Our democracy needs more of this!”

The debate will be moderated by Mark Hanrahan (KREM 2) and feature a panel of community members: Caleb Dawson (Gonzaga University Student Body Association President), Kristi Gorenson (KXLY Newsradio 920), Sean Owsley (Q6) and Nadine Woodward (KXLY 4).

With the help of the coalition’s 80 media partners, the debates are expected to reach Washington voters in every corner of the state through television, radio, live streaming and other outlets.

“Higher education institutions in Spokane are excited to combine efforts to demonstrate the power of civil discourse,” says John Sklut, chief of staff to Gonzaga University President Thayne McCulloh. “Debates contribute to informed, responsible citizenry, a goal we all share.”

Seattle CityClub founded the coalition of civic leaders, nonpartisan organizations, colleges and universities and media partners earlier this year to enhance citizens’ access to informative, nonpartisan political debates. Click here for a list of Coalition members.

More information about the coalition is available at seattlecityclub.org.