The Debate Program is a cornerstone of the CFB’s voter education efforts. The program ensures that citywide candidates participating in the public matching funds program participate in debates if they meet the nonpartisan, objective criteria. Debates provide New Yorkers with an opportunity to compare candidates side-by-side as they discuss the important issues facing the city.
The CFB seeks sponsors to produce live debates for the 2021 primary and general elections for mayor, public advocate, and comptroller. Past sponsors include broadcast and other media outlets, academic institutions, civic organizations, and technology firms.
Sponsorship applications for the 2021 Debate Program are due by November 19, 2020.
An information session was held on Thursday, October 22, to provide prospective sponsors with information about program requirements and the application process. Watch video of the info session.
New York City's charter-mandated debate program is conducted under the umbrella of the CFB's nonpartisan voter engagement initiative, NYC Votes. The 2021 primary elections will be the first citywide elections conducted under ranked choice voting.
2021 Debate Program Applications Received
|
Lead Sponsor |
Co-Sponsor |
|---|---|
|
ABC |
WABC-TV |
|
League Of Women Voters of NYC |
|
|
Univision 41 Nueva York / WADO-AM |
|
|
Hispanic Federation |
|
|
NAACP NYS Conference |
|
|
BRIC |
BRIC-TV |
|
CBS |
WCBS-TV |
|
NewsRadio 880 |
|
|
1010Wins |
|
|
Common Cause NY |
|
|
NBC |
WNBC-TV |
|
Telemundo 47 |
|
|
Politico |
|
|
Citizens Budget Commission |
|
|
New York Urban League |
|
|
NY1 |
Spectrum News NY1 |
|
WNYC - Gothamist |
|
|
The City |
|
|
Citizens Union |
|
|
Social Work Votes |
|
|
John Jay College of Criminal Justice |
Past Debate Information
Past Debate Videos