March 22, 2026
The League of Women Voters of New Jersey released the following statement on behalf of Jennifer M. Howard, MD, MPH, FACOG, President of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey:
"The League of Women Voters of the Morris Area, the League of Women Voters of the Montclair Area, the League of Women Voters of Livingston, and the League of Women Voters of Mountain Lakes proposed a debate for the candidates running in a special election for Congress in District 11.
Just as we did for the special primary election Meet & Greet, the proposed general election debate was planned to engage a diverse audience that reflects all communities in District 11. The planned moderator was a League trained professional and a person of color. This moderator would have asked questions taken directly from CD 11 voters ahead of the debate and from the audience during the forum. We were asked to provide a campaign with a list of potential moderators for approval. This is a request that the League of Women Voters cannot accommodate. Our nonpartisan stance does not permit a candidate to influence the selection of the moderator.
The League of Women Voters of New Jersey is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in principle and practice. We also stand firmly in our nonpartisan policies. We believe in a representative multiracial democracy where every voter feels empowered to participate, and in our forums, we strive to reflect that vision: inclusive in reach, nonpartisan in process. Our member volunteers run candidate forums at every level of office across New Jersey, and we are grateful for their service.
We look forward to continuing that work and remain committed to serving New Jersey voters. Please consider becoming a member and a trained League moderator to help us continue this vital service. Visit lwvnj.org to learn more about our mission, vision, and values."