2024 Local General Election Candidate Criteria

A candidate for local office will be invited to participate in a debate or forum produced and broadcasted by VPM News and its partners if the candidate can demonstrate that: 

1. The candidate has met all qualifications set by state and local election laws to appear on the ballot as of the date of the debate or forum; and
    
2. The candidate meets the following criteria:
   
   • The candidate has a publicly accessible website or social media account relating to the campaign that contains statements on public policy issues; and 
   • The candidate has accepted at least $1,500 in Net Contributions for the current election cycle, as filed with the Virginia State Board of Elections; or
   • If the Net Contributions threshold stated above cannot be met within 30 days of the scheduled live debate or forum event, the candidate must demonstrate significant media coverage of their issue statements and candidacy including digital, print and broadcast reports.