Welcome to the IDC

Welcome to the Indiana Debate Commission, a statewide group of like-minded citizens, journalists and access advocates who believe in the value of public debate. The commission, or IDC, was formally established in the fall of 2007 to promote debate at the state level with the goal of “putting voters first.” The IDC is a diverse group of 12 state and local affiliates that pledge to promote fair and open-minded consideration of social, political and governmental questions through public forums.
The public interest is our primary focus.

Why debate in Indiana?

Imagine inviting a candidate running for political office into your home for a chat. Politics should be intimate, not distant. In 1858, Abraham Lincoln, a Republican, and Stephen Douglas, a Democrat, had seven debates and traveled to seven cities corresponding with congressional districts—each debate lasting three hours in length. The format was simple. The first candidate spoke for an hour; the second for one and a half hours; the first then replied for a half hour. The focus was slavery and the Union. In today’s online world, there should be no limitations on access to candidates seeking your votes to run your government.

What groups make up the IDC?

• Indiana Coalition for Open Government

• Indiana Associated Press Managing Editors

• Indianapolis Association of Black Journalists

• Indiana Associated Press Broadcasters Association

• Marion County Alliance of Neighborhood Associations

• The Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations (IPBS)

• The Indiana Broadcasters Foundation

• Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists

• League of Women Voters of Indiana

• The Radio-Television News Directors Association

• Hoosier State Press Association

• Indiana State Bar Association

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We wish to acknowledge the support of the following companies that have contributed their services to the Indiana Debate Commission: