With November elections inching closer, the Associated Student Senate is working with clubs on campus to sponsor a live debate between candidates running for the California State Senate.

In order to raise awareness on campus, the student senate will be supporting the Campus Democrats and Peace One Day club in bringing Mike Stoker of the Republican Party and Hannah-Beth Jackson of the Democratic Party to City College Oct. 29. Although senators are trying to work out the details, such as the time and location, they are confident that the debate will be successful and informative.

“We want to let people know, ‘here are the options, here is the information. If you want it, take it because it will affect you’,” said Mayra Carvajal, senate vice president of external affairs. “When they go to the ballot, they can make an informed decision.”

A moderator is still being decided, but Dr. Manoutchehr Eskandari-Qajar, political science department chair, and Joe Martorana, assistant professor of political science, are being heavily considered as the main prospects to host the event.

Senators believe that it is time that the student body becomes more active in the political process. By bringing the candidates straight to the doorstep of City College, they hope that the turnout will encourage students to vote in the coming November elections.

“Anyone whose voting needs to be educated on what the candidates stand for,” said Elie Katezenson, senate vice president of student affairs. “The debate is a more personal way of getting information- watching how they interact and speak. It really shows you their skills as a social person.”

Even though the debate is modeled after the presidential debates with predetermined questions and no audience comments, senators are expecting students to take advantage of this opportunity to create a political consciousness around campus.

Confirmation from the State Senate candidates will be solidified by the end of the week.