FAMU Students Await Governor’s Debate

The Gubernatorial Debate, better know as the Governor’s Debate, will take place Wednesday at 7 p.m. on the campus of Broward College in Davie, Fla.

The two candidates participating in the debate are Gov. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and former Gov. Charlie Christ, D-Fla..

Students around campus are eager to hear the candidates’ views on each topics.

Edwin Ortiz, a junior psychology student, is interested in the candidates’ views on legalizing marijuana.

“Legalizing marijuana has been an ongoing issue. I’m curious to see their stance on it,”  Ortiz said.

Senior English studies student Ronald Ford said that he is looking forward to the topic of gay marriage.

“Gay marriage is starting to become accepted in more and more states. I think that the next governor could impact whether or not Florida legalizes gay marriage,” Ford said.

Before You Vote holds the Gubernatorial Debate every election year, but this year they have added a new feature.  

A social media panel has been added to the debate. Panelist will report live from Twitter and Facebook enabling Floridians to commentary about the debate.

Among the panelist participants is the Tallahassee Democrat Executive Editor, Bob Gabordi.

Many students hope that this new feature will attract more viewers and excite people to participate in the Governor’s Election on Nov. 4, 2014.

Although there are more than two candidates participating in this years election, only the republican and democrat party candidate’s fit the criteria from the Mason Dixon poll to participate in the debate.

Melissa Barnes, a second-year business student, said she already has an idea of who she wants to vote for.

“This is my first time hearing about the debate, but I plan on viewing it just to support my candidate,” Barnes said.

According to the Before You Vote website, Floridians will be able to tune in to the debate live.  The debate will be broadcast statewide on network television stations in Florida’s eleven designated media markets.

This year’s debate is projected to bring in half as many viewers as last election season via social media or television.

Participants who want to comment on the debate through Twitter and Facebook can use the hashtag #beforeyouvote to join in on the discussion.

Also, watch the debate by clicking this link, http://beforeyouvote.org/.