The Idaho Debates 2010

For more than 30 years, Idaho Public Television has been Idaho's 'station of record' for candidate debates. Ahead of the May 25 primary election, we continue that tradition with debates for two congressional and two statewide offices.

NEW IN 2010: Live Audience! The Public is welcome!

This year, The Idaho Debates will be staged in front of a live audience at the Capitol building's new House/Senate Auditorium (WW02) in Boise. [Directions] All debates will be broadcast, and webcast, statewide.

There will be 130 seats available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Cell phones, signs and outbursts such as applause or derisive shouts are prohibited during the debates. [View Debate rules]

Candidates are selected for the debates by the League of Women Voters, the Idaho Press Club and Idaho Public Television. Among other criteria, candidates have to show that they have an "active campaign."

The Idaho Secretary of State's website has information about the May primary election.

View this year's (and previous year's) debates on our Video Archive page.

Partners with Idaho Public Television in The Idaho Debates include the League of Women Voters, the Idaho Press Club, The Associated Press, Boise State Radio, Idaho Allied Dailies, Idaho State Broadcasters Association, The Idaho Statesman, KIVI-TV and KBOI-TV.