Open the Debates - Action Hub

1. Sign the Open the Debates Petition

Sign the petition to open the debates, and then share with your friends. It is not too soon to start organizing for open debates as the Commission will make binding decisions in 2019. We must make our voice heard and let every board member know they will stand trial in public opinion for their support of closed debates.

2. Contact the Commission on Presidential Debate Board Members

The Board of Directors runs the Commission and has the ability to include all candidates who could win enough electoral votes to become President. However, they do not provide a way to reach individual members. These public figures can be reached in a variety of ways on social media, through their places of employment, or other places where they sit on the board. They uphold this rigged system, and we have a right to reach them and have them answer our questions no matter how inconvenient that is for them and the boards they sit on.

3. Contact the Federal Election Commission

The Federal Election Commission has the ability to force the Commission on Presidential Debates to change their rules to enforce fairness in coverage of candidates. In 2016, the FEC voted 4-2 against making the CPD (at least to some minimal degree) address this injustice. The two dissents is the first time any FEC vote has been recorded against these exclusionary debates. The facade is already cracking!

4. Sign up as a Volunteer to Oppose the Debates

Nationwide from now through 2020 we will be taking action in support of Open Debates. Let us know ways that you would like to help.


5. Write a Letter to the Editor

Compose a letter for your local newspaper explaining why Green & Libertarian candidates should be included in the 2020 debates. Use the talking points to assist you. 

6. Pledge of Non-Violent Civil Disobedience

Take the pledge to resist the theft of our democracy by participating in protests to open the debate process or engage in serious, peaceful, dignified civil disobedience. Read the full Call to Action letter by 2012 Green Party Vice Presidential candidate Cheri Honkala.


7. Educate Your Friends & Neighbors on the Fraudulent Debates

Read the history of of how the League of Women Voters withdrew from hosting the debates because of increasing control of the Republican and Democratic National Committee to silence real discussion of ideas. Find op-eds and articles written by prominent activists and thinkers on how the CPD silences democracy. See the latest polls that show Americans want inclusive debates. Share this information in person and online.


8. Current Lawsuits for Open Debates

There are several pending lawsuits making the case for open debates--both against the Commission on Presidential Debates as well as the Federal Election Commission.