| 1. Try to have at least 2 Sorters. Any co-sponsor may be invited
to have a representative. A league member must serve as a Sorter. There
must be at least one experienced member who should lead the Sorters if
possible.
2. The Sorters may meet before the candidate forum. If Sorters are experienced,
the procedure may be explained at a short meeting immediately before the
forum. Every Sorter should receive a copy of these Guidelines.
3. At the forum, Runners may distribute cards to audience for questions
before and during the forum. Cards may be 3x5". (Have pencils, too.)
4. Be prepared with several questions on the issues. If you do not have
valuable general questions from the audience when the meeting reaches the
question/answer period, use the prepared ones for starters.
5. Each Sorter should take a number of questions. Read through them
and divide by:
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Inappropriate questions. Put aside but do not let them look abandoned.
Throw out questions that are personal attacks, that are irrelevant to the
office for which candidates are running, ridiculous, or not clearly stated.
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Good general questions.
-
Good questions to specific candidates. (Some Leagues do not permit questions
to specific candidates to prevent unequal time for any candidate. We strongly
recommend that each question be answered by each candidate.)
Then combine the above categories:
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Best general questions on top.
-
Avoid duplication of questions. Questions may be combined if they are asking
the same question in a different manner.
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Select a variety of subjects/issues.
-
Do not avoid controversial issues.
6. Ideally, questions are sorted so that the best general questions are
first. Enough should be taken to the Moderator to fill the time.
As soon as the Sorters have three to six questions, they should be taken
to the Moderator so the meeting flows uninterruptedly. The Moderator will
only accept questions from the lead Sorter so that no "bogus" questions
slip past the Sorters. Continue sorting.
Do not take inappropriate ones, but the Moderator should be told if
any are being withheld. Return all questions to the Moderator at the close
of the forum.
7. Include issues/ questions of local concern for county, state, and
federal candidates.
8. Include "good government" questions and fundamental questions such
as "How do you see the job of representative of the people?"
9. Where possible, convert questions for one candidate into a question
for all candidates.
10 Rewrite questions that are barely legible so the moderator can read
them without a struggle!!
11. Make sure microphones near you are OFF. (The card shuffling and
whispers between sorters as they work through the questions can disturb
the proceedings).
12. Maintain a neutral demeanor. (Watch facial expressions. Keep whispers
between Sorters to a minimum).
13. Keep an eye on the clock. Try to determine which question
will be the last one and mark "LAST QUESTION" clearly on that card.
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