Commission on Presidential Debates Accepting Site Applications

The Commission on Presidential Debates on January 3 opened its application process for sites interested in hosting one of the 2012 presidential debates.  The deadline for applications is March 31.  A summary of the site selection guidelines is posted on the commission's website.  Submissions must include a nonrefundable $7,500 application fee.

Detailed information on application elements are in the commission's "2012 Site Selection Guidelines
and Application Information" document.

Hosting a presidential or vice-presidential debate can bring unprecedented national and international visibility to a college or university.  Be forewarned, however:  neither applying to host a debate, nor the actual hosting is for the faint of heart.  For some first-hand perspective before applying, consider contacting some of the independent colleges and universities that have hosted debates over the past 20 years:

• Washington University in St. Louis (vice-presidential, 2008; presidential, 2004, 2000, 1992)
• Belmont University (2008)
• Hofstra University (2008)
• University of Miami (2004)
• Case Western Reserve University (vice-presidential, 2004)
• Wake Forest University (2000)
• Centre College (vice-presidential, 2000)
• University of San Diego (1996)
• University of Richmond (1992)

A full history of presidential debates is on the commission website.

For more information, please contact:
Pete Boyle