Face-offs in the runoff election include Celia Israel and Kirk Watson in the mayor's race; José Velásquez and Daniela Silva in District 3; Ryan Alter and Stephanie Bazan in District 5; and Zohaib "Zo" Qadri and Linda Guerrero in District 9. The November general election saw incumbent Council Members Natasha Harper-Madison and Paige Ellis earn their second terms in District 1 and District 8, respectively.
The city, its volunteer ethics commission and the League of Women Voters Austin Area will host the Nov. 30 forums for each race the night before early voting begins Dec. 1. Austin said the forums will be held in a "friendly debate" style, and the one-night session follows a series of general election forums held citywide in September and October.
Anyone interested in submitting a question for candidates to answer—either specific to a council district or of citywide relevance—can email [email protected] or call 512-451-6710.
On Nov. 30, District 3 candidates will start their forum at 6 p.m. followed by District 5 candidates at 6:45 p.m., District 9 candidates at 7:30 p.m. and mayoral candidates at 8:15 p.m.
The forums will be held at City Hall, located at 301 W. Second St., Austin, and will also be available to stream live on ATXN, cable TV Channel 6, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 and KAZI FM 88.7. The forums will also be available via telephone in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Vietnamese; callers can dial 855-756-7520 with extension 83464# for English service, 83465# for Spanish, 83466# for Mandarin and 83467# for Vietnamese.
More information about the forums is available online.
Early voting for the runoff will be held Dec. 1-9, and election day is Dec. 13.
