Who We Are
The Ohio Debate Commission is a collaboration of civic organizations, media organizations, and universities working to create debates of the highest quality for the highest statewide offices and distribute that content to every corner of the state. We believe well-managed debates play a critical role in informing citizens about the issues and candidates on the ballot, and ought to be worthy of the sacrifice public service and candidacy represents. Our mission is to foster fair and substantive debates that encourage participation in our democracy, and our vision is of a stronger Ohio, with well-informed voters and highly qualified public servants, candidates, and elected officials. The Ohio Debate Commission became a 501(c)(3) organization in 2020 and is sustained through charitable and in-kind contributions. The ODC receives no government funding.
Past Events
Akron Decides: 2nd Akron Mayoral Primary Debate
April 12, 2023
For the second debate on April 12, Akron voters submitted questions online in writing or through video. Ideastream Public Media's Andrew Meyer and Rick Jackson co-moderated. The Democratic Akron mayoral candidates included Mark Greer, Shammas Malik, Tara Mosley, Keith Mills, Marco Sommerville, Joshua Schaffer, and Jeff Wilhite.
Ohio Decides: An Issue 1 Forum
October 15, 2023
Ohio Debate Commission in collaboration with Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, and Spectrum News, conducted an hour-long forum on Issue 1, the proposed constitutional amendment related to reproductive freedoms. The program was recorded Wednesday, October 11, 2023, in Spectrum studios in Columbus live to tape without an audience, and released for viewing on Sunday, October 15. Moderator: Curtis Jackson. Journalists: Jessie Balmert, Tyler Buchanan, Karen Kasler. "Yes" campaign representative: Desiree Tims. "No" campaign representative: Mehek Cooke.
Akron Decides: 1st Akron Mayoral Primary Debate
April 5, 2023
For the first debate on April 5, Michael Shearer, Editor/Market Leader at the Akron Beacon Journal served as moderator. A panel of journalists asked questions including Anna Huntsman, Reporter/Producer at Ideastream Public Media; Mark Turner, Assistant Professor of Journalism at Ohio University and former Executive News Editor at the Akron Beacon Journal; and Cheryl Powell, Managing Editor/News at the Akron Beacon Journal.