About this Event
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THE GREAT DEBATE ’26 — ONE DAY. FOUR POWERFUL DEBATES. YOU DECIDE.
The Great Debate returns home to Columbia City!
What began as Oct-Voter-Fest in 2013 returns to Rainier Arts Center on Saturday, October 3 for one day of real debates on the candidates and issues that will help shape our region.
This isn't a candidate forum or a series of campaign speeches. Candidates and advocates will face each other, answer the questions and make their case directly to the voters.
FOUR DEBATES
11th Legislative District
David Hackney vs. Ashley Fedan
37th Legislative District — Position 1
Sharon Tomiko Santos vs. Kelabe Tewolde
King County Council — District 2
Toshiko Hasegawa vs. Rebecca Saldaña
SPECIAL FEATURE
Washington Initiative IL26-638 — FOR vs. AGAINST
Retired Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best returns as Master of Ceremony, with members of our community moderating the debates and asking the questions that matter.
And we're starting the day with some music. Michael Powers performs live beginning at 11 AM when the doors open.
Food. Drinks. Music. Community. And four powerful debates.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
Rainier Arts Center — Columbia City
3515 South Alaska St., Seattle
Doors Open 11 AM | Debates Noon–5 PM
FREE ADMISSION • 21+
REAL ISSUES. REAL CONVERSATIONS. REAL IMPACT.
ONE DAY. FOUR POWERFUL DEBATES. YOU DECIDE.
Previous Great Debate Event at Washington Athletic Club- 2025
Event venue & nearby stays
Rainier Arts Center, 3515 South Alaska Street, Seattle, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.