Tuesday, October 30 from 7 - 8:30pm
Delta College Lecture Theater (G-160)

The gender gap in politics will be the topic of the next Delta Debates Political Forum Series. The panel discussion will be held on Tuesday, October 30, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Delta College Lecture Theater (G-160). It is free and open to the public.

Moderated by Central Michigan University's Women's Studies Program Director Cherie Strachan, the event promises to provide a lively discussion on topics such as the courting of women as a voting block, gender rhetoric in the political process and how women are using their political power in both parties.

"We are very excited about the caliber of panelists we have coming to campus for this discussion," said Lisa Lawrason, associate professor of political science and chair of the Delta Debates Political Forum Committee. "We think that their diversity of perspectives will generate the kind of constructive, civil discourse that makes voters more informed and strengthens democracy."

The distinguished panel will include:

• Barb Byrum, State Representative, the 67th House District
• Susan Smith, President, League of Women Voters of Michigan
• Lindsey Dodge, Editor and Policy Analyst, Mackinac Center for Public Policy
• Sharon Wise, Co-Chair, Michigan Republican Party

Throughout the event, moderator Cherie Strachan will ask questions of the panel, with audience questions welcome toward the end.

"The purpose of these forums is to engage the Delta Community in a discussion of political issues," Lawrason said. "Beyond simply hearing the panelists speak, the forum encourages audience engagement with the issue, by providing time to ask questions and make comments during the audience participation segment of the event."

The Delta Debates Political Forum Series was founded in 2007 with the intent of engaging the community in a discussion of current political issues. For more information, contact Lisa Lawrason at lisalawrason@delta.edu or 989-686-9509.