With election day just nine days away, UPUA’s four executive tickets will debate for the first time this evening in 22 Deike Building. The event, which is open to the public, will begin at 7:00 p.m and include a meet-and-greet with the candidates. The debate itself will go from 7:30-8:30 p.m., with time before and after for candidates and voters to meet and mingle.

The four presidential candidates include current UPUA Vice President Emily McDonald, current UPUA Student Life committee chair Shannon Rafferty, former UPUA Internal Development chair Ryan Belz, and UPUA newcomer Hamsa Fayed, who holds executive positions in Pi Sigma Alpha and MENA. The candidates will discuss critical platform topics and relevant issues, as well as take questions from members of the audience. Voters who wish to ask questions but cannot attend the debate can use the hashtag #UPUAElections2015 on Twitter to virtually submit questions.

Candidates have begun ramping up their campaigning efforts in the last few days, as endorsements from individuals, academic councils, and organizations become vital components of an effective bid. The presidential debates represent one of the few opportunities students will have to ask questions of the candidates before election day, as well as some of the greatest scrutiny their ideas will come under. These events are key to election season, specifically in swaying undecided voters. If you are unable to attend, make sure to check Onward State for a full recap of the debate tomorrow.

This year’s UPUA election is April 1.