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Sarasota students organize voter education evening

SARASOTA, Fl, Aug 23 - The Student Advisory Board of the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections will host a voter education rally on August 25 for students to learn more about the differences among the political parties and to meet some of the local candidates running for political office.

The students have invited the chairmen of the Democratic, Republican, and Libertarian Executive Committees (the three political parties that have executive committee boards in Sarasota) to participate in a debate-like format. A moderator will introduce the party heads and a panel of students will then question them about their party platforms. Questions may also be taken from students in the audience.

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, August 25 at Phillippi Estate Park, the Gazebo, from 7 to 9 p.m. In addition to the debate, there will be door prizes, music, and food and drink. Attendees may bring lawn chairs or blankets. The rain date is the following Wednesday, September 1.

Candidates who have accepted invitations to attend include to date: Jan Schneider, Democratic candidate for U.S. House of Representatives District 13; State House Rep Nancy Detert; Charles Manhart, candidate for State House District 23; Sheriff William Balkwill; sheriff candidates Ray Pilon, John Simpson, and Dave Gustafson, and judicial candidates Diana Moreland, Susan Chapman, and Phyllis Galen.

The event is being sponsored by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, SNN, WWSB TV/ABC Channel 7, Cold Stone Creamery, Coca-Cola, BB&T, World Wrestling Entertainment, and Smackdown Your Vote.