Templates /
Sample Questions: Debates/Voters' Guides
Below you will find some sample questions for candidate debates and/or voter's guides. Please note, they're organized by Federal or State level questions, however, these questions could be modified to work for any office if needed.
Federal Level:
- What are the most important challenges facing our [country/state/community], and how do you propose to address them?
- What changes would you support to federal immigration enforcement practices to ensure they uphold dignity and constitutional rights and do not deter individuals or communities from exercising their rights to free speech, assembly, and civic participation?
- What three Congressional actions will you support to protect, preserve, and enhance America’s democracy and why?
- What will you do to combat the underlying issues driving the inflation rate such as the rising costs of housing, childcare, energy, and groceries?
- How do you see Congress fulfilling its constitutionally mandated role as a check on the President and Executive Branch’s power and what additional steps will you propose?
- What steps will you take to ensure everyone living in our state has access to quality and affordable health care?
- What, if any, steps should be taken to curb gun violence in our [country/state/community]?
- What policies will you pursue to end systemic racism in our criminal justice system?
- What, if anything, should the [federal/state/local] government do to reduce the role of money in American elections?
- What, if any, actions would you take to address the threats facing the United States due to climate change?
- What should the [federal/state/local] government do to provide an equitable, quality public education for all children pre-K through grade 12?
- What is your stance on access to abortion?
- What measures do you support to address national security?
- What is the US’ responsibility in supporting international institutions such as the United Nations, NATO, and the International Criminal Court?
State Level:
- What are the most important challenges facing our [country/state/community], and how do you propose to address them?
- What actions will you take to protect the constitutional rights to assemble and peacefully protest?
- What actions will you take to uphold the constitutional balance between federal and state authority in the administration of our state‑run elections?
- What actions will you take to ensure any immigration enforcement activity occurring within our state does not interfere with administering state governmental responsibilities?
- What steps will you take to ensure everyone living in our state has access to quality and affordable health care?
- What, if any, steps should be taken to curb gun violence in our [country/state/community]?
- What, if anything, should the [federal/state/local] government do to reduce the role of money in American elections?
- What, if any, actions would you take to address the threats facing the United States due to climate change?
- What should the [federal/state/local] government do to provide an equitable, quality public education for all children pre-K through grade 12?
- What is your stance on access to abortion?