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Just in the time for the election, Salem City Club to hold “Informed Voter Series”

The Salem City Club holding one of its programs meant to educate the public. The civic-engagement nonprofit has moved online for its fall programming. (Courtesy/Salem City Club)

With the 2020 election entering its final stretch, the Salem City Club has announced the launch of its “Informed Voter Series” that’ll include talks from political commentators as well as candidates for local office.

Normally, the civic-engagement nonprofit holds its programs at the Willamette Heritage Center. But because of the pandemic, the talks will be held via Zoom.

Sharon Pierson, president of the club, said that since most gatherings of people were banned in the spring, her group has been working out how to hold its events online. She said that its programs feature a presentation by a speaker along with a question-and-answer portion, which she said drives much of the event.

“We feel strongly about the community being able to ask questions of the speakers we bring in,” she said.

The programs will be held on Fridays and will utilize features on Zoom that allow audience members to direct questions to the moderator, said Pierson.

The first program in the series will be held on Sept. 11 and will include commentary on what’s at stake on the November ballot from political scientists Jim Moore and Bill Lunch, as well as veteran political reporter Jeff Mapes of Oregon Public Broadcasting.

In October, the programs will turn to local races, including the Marion County Board of Commissioners and a competitive state Senate race. It’ll also include programs on redistricting and a ballot measure that would overhaul the state’s campaign finance system. Pierson said these talks will include people from both sides.

“We really strive for a neutral position on any topic,” she said.

In November, the series will close out with a talk from political scientist Ed Dover.

The full schedule includes:

●      Sept. 11, 12 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. At Stake in November: Commentary on Measures and Candidates on the Oregon Ballot featuring Jim Moore, Bill Lunch, and Jeff Mapes

●      Oct. 2, 12 P.M. to 1:30 P.M: Candidates for Senate District 10: Deb Patterson (Democrat) and Denyc Boles (Republican).

●      Oct. 9, 12 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. Candidates for Marion County Commissioner, Position 3: Ashley Carson Cottingham (Democrat) and Danielle Bethell (Republican).

●      Oct. 16, 12 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. Redistricting.

●      Oct. 23, 12 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. Ballot Measure on Campaign Finance

●      Nov.13, 12 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. A Postmortem on the 2020 Elections: What Happened?

To access each program, go to https://salemcityclub.com/, click the tab that says “Events,” click “Register” for any of the Informed Voter Series events listed.

Once users reserve a spot, they’ll be sent a link to access the program.

Pierson said that the Salem City Club relies on donations and membership dues to cover its administrative and other costs. The first two meetings are free for nonmembers. But after Oct. 2, meetings will be $5.00 for nonmembers. 

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Contact reporter Jake Thomas at 503-575-1251 or [email protected] or @jakethomas2009.