Host a Debate Watch Party

This fall, candidates are taking to the stage trail to discuss critical issues facing our state and country in debates and forums. Debates and forums are more fun to watch with friends – host a watch party either in-person or virtually!

IN-PERSON WATCH PARTY

• Invite some friends to your home.
• Provide snacks and beverages or make it a potluck. Don’t forget the hot dish!
• Tune in for the debate or forum on your television or computer.
• Listen for the candidates to talk about the issues most important to you and voters 50+.
• Discuss the debate or forum with your friends. Did the candidates address issues important to older Minnesotans?

VIRTUAL WATCH PARTY

• Set up an online meeting using your favorite virtual platform. Stream the debate onto that platform using the screen share feature. You can also host a watch party on your social media network.
• Organize a group chat over your favorite messaging platform or by text.
• Email, text, or promote your watch party to your personal networks.
  

BINGO

Make Your Debate Watch Party Fun with BINGO. Track where the candidates stand on issues important to voters 50+.

Play at home with your family or compete with friends and family elsewhere: 

1. Download and print the Bingo cards (make sure everyone playing uses a different card)
   
   • Bingo Card 1 (PDF / JPEG)
   • Bingo Card 2 (PDF / JPEG)
   • Bingo Card 3 (PDF / JPEG)
   • Bingo Card 4 (PDF / JPEG)
2. Watch the debates. See the debate schedule below for more information.
   
3. Pay attention to what the candidates say about the issues important to voters 50+  
   
   • Protecting Social Security 
   • Strengthening Medicare for the future 
   • Lowering prescription drug prices 
   • Supporting family caregivers  
   • Ensuring all Minnesotans can live independently in their communities 
     
4. Check off the appropriate spot on your Bingo card during the debates. 
5. Post a selfie with your completed Bingo card on social media. Be sure to tag AARP Minnesota on Facebook and @AARPMN on Twitter with #50+VotersDecide
   

Where AARP Stands on Key Federal and State Issues

Figuring out where the candidates stand on issues that are important to you and your family can sometimes be difficult. With social media and websites swirling with information that might not be reliable, it’s important to get the facts.

Candidate Questions

Read more about the questions you can ask candidates.

LEARN MORE

AARP MINNESOTA SPONSORED DEBATES 

• August 2: MN First Congressional District Candidate Forum
  
  • Candidates include Jeff Ettinger (D) and Brad Finstad (R). 
• August 2: Minnesota Congressional Candidate Forum on Ag and Rural Issues
  
  • Candidates include Congresswoman Angie Craig (D-2nd), Tyler Kistner (R-2nd), Paula Overby (LMN-3rd), Congressman Tom Emmer (R-6th), Jeanne Hendricks (D-6th), Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (R-7th), Jill Abahsain (D-7th), Travis (Bull) Johnson (LMN-7th), Congressman Pete Stauber (R-8th), Jen Schultz (D-8th)
• August 3: MN Governor Candidate Forum
  
  • Candidates include Gov. Tim Walz (D) and Dr. Scott Jensen (R) 
• September 18: Elections and Voting Fluence Forum
• September 19: MN Second Congressional District Candidate Interviews 
  
  • Candidates include Rep. Angie Craig (D) and Tyler Kistner (R)
• October 9: MN Third Congressional District Forum
  
  • Candidates include Rep. Dean Phillips (D) and Tom Weiler (R)
• October 17: MN Attorney General
  
  • Candidates include Attorney General Keith Ellison (D) and Jim Schultz (R)
• November 1: Prairie Public Television - Minnesota's 7th Congressional District Candidates 
  
  • Candidates include Jill Abahsain (D) and Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R)

To find out more about how to vote safely from home or in-person in the upcoming election, visit aarp.org/mnvotes.