A new Web site is offering forums for political debate and opportunities for voters to ask questions and receive information on the positions of local candidates in Utah.

The Web site, UtahDebate.org, breaks all debates into three parts: questions to the candidates, response posts from the candidates in a particular race, and general discussion and debate.

An introduction to the site states the four purposes for its creation: "make it easier to cast an informed vote in every election, allow voters to hear [campaign positions] directly from the candidates, allow all candidates to have an equal voice, and show a contrast between candidates' positions."

John Mulholland, a doctoral student at Utah State University and co-creator of UtahDebate, said he hopes that this site will create additional awareness of political issues and create a more open forum for discussion and debate.

"If all views are openly debated, the best ones will emerge," Mulholland said.

The site's other creator, Jamie Forbush, said the idea for the site originated with his frequent debates with Mulholland on various political issues.

The site is divided into sections for Utah Senate candidates, Utah Congressional candidates, Utah Legislature and Utah Counties. Each section provides a place to view posts, see the number of topics being discussed and the number of replies posted. Currently there are five districts open for discussion and the creators hope to open more as the public becomes increasingly aware of the site.

Currently, the most active forums are "Questions for (Congressional) District 1 Candidates," "Questions for (U.S.) Senate Candidates" and the "(Congressional) District 1 Candidates Debate."

Mulholland and Forbush said they believe everyone has the right and duty to get involved in politics and develop their knowledge about the issues.

"We want to invite people to get involved," Forbush said. "That includes the whole state, all three federal districts."

Everyone who uses the site has the ability to post a question or comment once they register.

"It has been kind of small so far, which is to be expected," Mulholland said.

Though small, the response has been strong among the few who have become involved.

"Those that have been on [the Web site] have become very involved," Forbush said. "There has been a very good turnout, even among the candidates."

Forbush and Mulholland said they hope awareness of the site will continue to grow among users and political enthusiasts.

"Hopefully, we'll be able to keep this alive between elections and in two years, really make something of this," Mulholland said. " I hope it will change the way things are done in politics."

Copyright Brigham Young University 23 Oct 2006