Criteria Established for Candidate Participation
in LWVCEF Debates

SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 17 -- During a meeting in Bakersfield, CA on July 16 the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund (LWVCEF) Board of Directors established criteria for participation in its candidate debates and forums.

In order to participate in an LWVCEF forum or debate, a candidate for statewide office in the November 2006 general election must meet all of the following criteria:

• The candidate must be eligible for the office according to the Constitution of the State of California and the Constitution of the United States of America.
• The candidate must be a legally qualified candidate for the office sought, as defined by California law.
• The candidate must have made a public announcement of his or her candidacy.
• The candidate must show evidence that a formal campaign is being waged.
• The candidate must demonstrate sufficient voter interest and support, as evidenced by receipt of at least ten percent support in a specified statewide nonpartisan public opinion poll that includes all candidates for the office, conducted not less than 14 or more than 40 days prior to the debate.

Federal law prohibits the inclusion or exclusion of any candidate from a debate based solely on party affiliation.

"The League, nationwide, has a long history of using polling results as a criterion for candidate participation. We feel that a statewide nonpartisan poll is the best way to insure that voters get the maximum amount of information about candidates likely to be elected," said Roberta Davis, Chair of the LWVCEF.

The League of Women Voters of California Education Fund is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization which conducts voter service and citizen education activities.