The Lewes Citizens Action Committee sponsored a candidate forum Aug. 25 for the candidates running for District 20. The League of Women Voters of Sussex County DE is delighted to see increased public involvement in hosting candidate forums and other activities to get the vote out in 2026, and we support these endeavors. However, we need to clarify the league’s participation in that event and in any future events during the upcoming election period. LWVSCDE’s extensive process of vetting and the signing of a memorandum of understanding by both parties did not occur.

We ask that the following statement be placed as a slide at the beginning of the Zoom recording of the forum that is on the Lewes Citizens Action Committee website.

A Clarification from The League of Women Voters of Sussex County, DE: The League of Women Voters of Sussex County is flattered that our candidate forum format was cited by the Lewes Citizens Action Committee at this event. However, we need to clarify the League’s participation in that forum and in any future events hosted by the LCAC or any other organizations. 

LWVSCDE has very specific processes and practices for all candidate forums, as well as a very detailed and distinct procedure to enter into a collaborative relationship. While LCAC did converse with LWVSCDE prior to their forum, the statements made at the event implied greater LWVSCDE involvement and coordination than was the case.

LWVSCDE did not collaborate with LCAC for the RD20 primary candidate forum, and LWVSCDE is not collaborating with any groups for any upcoming candidate forums. LWVSCDE will hold its own set of forums for many races, including RD 20, before the general election. Details may be found at the Sussex LWV website.

The last sentence of the statement refers to the erroneous statement at the LCAC forum that they would be collaborating with the LWVSCDE for a candidate forum at Cape Henlopen High School in October. This is not the case and should be removed.

LWSCDE will hold a forum for the RD 20 candidates between Gene Dvornik and the Democratic nominee. LWVSCDE has scheduled five other in-person forums in late September through October, as well as one online webinar. The complete schedule can be found at https://my.lwv.org/delaware/article/general-election-candidate-forums-sussex-county.

LWSCDE is grateful for all citizens and groups working for the informed and active participation of every citizen in government through such tools as candidate forums. LWSCDE encourages citizens to learn about upcoming elections through Vote411.org, an online voting guide.