Action:
open up the mpt Debates to independent & Third-party candidates
Andy’S Position
I spent more than two decades of my life working to promote debate about policy and values. I was a student debater, a national champion college debate coach, an advocate for public debate, and an organizer of debate programs for Baltimore City middle school students.
I know from that experience that more and better democracy needs more and better debate. Our politics are better when we hear how ideas and solutions compete with one another. Our solutions are better when we test them and hear from people we disagree with. Democracy is better when people hear more perspectives and more solutions.
I believe good debate is the balm to our political polarization and the anger and mistrust it produces.
Throughout this campaign, we will center the important role debate plays in democracy, and push for more and healthier debate at every step.
Introduction
Maryland Public Television (MPT) is a taxpayer funded agency of the State of Maryland and a non-profit corporation that hosts debates for candidates seeking statewide positions. Their editorial standards are designed to ensure that only Democrats and Republicans are on the stage. They achieve this by setting an arbitrary polling target of 10% to participate even though no third party or independent gubernatorial candidate has gotten 10% since the Civil War.
The editorial guidelines of Maryland Public Television State: “The public interest is of the highest importance; it defines and directs all editorial decision-making.” The public interest should demand that voters of Maryland are able to hear from all of the choices on their general election ballot. Every candidate has a voice. Marylanders deserve to hear them.
Tell MPT to open up the debates and allow all candidates on the general election ballot on to the debate stage.
petition language
To the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission:
We, the undersigned, ask that Maryland Public Television open televised debates to all Gubernatorial candidates who will be on the general election ballot for Maryland voters. Presently, the arbitrary criteria for debate participation is undemocratic and runs contrary to your mission statement that Maryland Public Television “enriches lives and strengthens all communities through the power of media.” Barring independent voices from debating impedes your viewers from hearing a diverse set of ideas and is undemocratic.
Furthermore, it is an egregious violation of public interest that Maryland Public Television uses tax dollars collected from voters – voters who are prevented from hearing from independent candidates by an arbitrary editorial policy.
In conclusion, we, the undersigned, ask that you change the Maryland Public Television editorial policy to immediately open the debates for all Gubernatorial candidates who will appear on voters’ ballots in November of 2026.
Signed,
A Concerned Voter & Tax Payer