Political debates are usually televised slugfests — game shows with no winners — and the 2016 presidential election cycle has been no different.

Shippensburg University students have a chance to redeem the political debate as a noble cause to discuss the issues affecting America.

Six brave students will be taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the Ceddia Union Building multipurpose room to spar with words. The Slate is hosting a student-run political debate to focus on the issues and not the candidates. Steven Lichtman, an SU associate professor of political science, will be moderating the debate.

Three students will represent the democrats and three will represent the republicans. Lichtman will be watching the debaters’ speaking times and asking prepared questions.

Unlike the no-holds-barred national debates, where candidates run their mouth over the time limit and take cheap shots at their opponents, civility and intellect will be at the forefront of the student debate.

With Election Day a week away students can use the debate as a chance to hone in on what social, economic and political views they identify with. Unlike the primary election, the general election allows voters to vote for a candidate of either party, regardless of how they are registered.

While The Slate debate is not about the candidates, understanding the issues of both major parties will help students at the polls. It is important to remember that on Nov. 8, voters will not only be choosing the next president, but also a new senator of Pennsylvania and other offices.

The debate will focus on four main issues: gun rights, healthcare, immigration and the minimum wage. The event is free and open to the public. The Slate’s goals are to encourage students to practice their constitutional right to vote. Voter information and candy will be available for attendees.

As an embodiment of the First Amendment, The Slate is providing a forum and market place of ideas. It will give students the opportunity to hear views from their peers and to make their own determinations about the issues affecting Shippensburg and the rest of the country.

“We’re hoping to educate students so they can be better voters,” said Mary Grace Keller, editor-in-chief of The Slate. Keller said it is the duty of the newspaper to host an event like this.

Historically, The Slate held political debates every presidential election cycle since 2004. Before then, it sponsored debates off and on for decades.

Join The Slate staff, Lichtman and your classmates for a night of intellectual endeavors, and the chance to participate in the political process.

If you have any questions about the debate, you can contact The Slate staff at slate.ship@gmail.com.

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