Learn about OK House District 34 candidates at online voter's forum

(STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA / October 2, 2020) – Stillwater's League of Women Voters is joining forces with the Stillwater Public Library to offer a virtual forum for local citizens to get information about the two candidates running for Oklahoma's House District 34. The forum will take place online via Zoom video conferencing and Facebook Live on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

District 34 encompasses most of the City of Stillwater. The League of Women Voters want to provide a space for residents to interact with the candidates facing off for the seat; current District 34 Representative Trish Ranson and Dr. Aaron Means.

"Even though we are facing barriers to meeting in person, now, perhaps more than ever, staying connected to local leadership is extremely important to our community," said Joanne Murer from the League of Women Voters. "We want to do whatever we can to encourage people to learn about leaders running for office so that they can make informed choices on Nov. 3."

Ranson, a former Westwood Elementary teacher, and Means, a retired dentist and former U.S. Air Force member, also ran against each other in 2018.

The candidates will share their platforms through a moderated question and answer session led by the League of Women Voters. Viewers are encouraged to submit their own questions when they register or use the Zoom chat feature to share them during the forum.

Librarians will be on hand to help operate technology and direct questions to the moderator. Library Director Stacy DeLano is pleased to be able to offer assistance.

"The library’s primary function is to give our community members tools and opportunities to attain knowledge, make informed choices and enrich their lives," DeLano said. "Forums like this one give the Stillwater community direct access to candidates and let them guide the conversation. It's empowering."

Registration is not required, but it is recommended so participants can receive the Zoom meeting link and call-in phone number in advance. Those needing assistance with Zoom can also request to get sent instructional resources for using the virtual platform. Sign-up at tinyurl.com/VoterForumOK34, visit the library's website at library.stillwater.org or call the help desk at (405) 372-3633 x8106. Viewers can also tune in to Facebook Live on the library’s Facebook page @StillwaterOKLib when the event starts.

The Stillwater League of Women Voters is also providing drive-thru voter registration outside the library on Sunday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon and on Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 5-7 p.m. The library has free voter registration and absentee ballot request forms that can be picked up in person or delivered curbside. The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 3 election is Friday, Oct. 9.

Copies of the League of Women Voters voter guide are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more about the League of Women Voters and access their voting guide online at my.lwv.org/oklahoma.