There were 11 names on the ballot for Kansas City residents to consider when voting in the primary election. With so many candidates, the library had an obligation to help inform voters, ask tough questions and create a forum that stands out from the dozens of others held around town. When the pool narrowed down to two candidates, the library saw an opportunity to get past the rehearsed answers candidates were used to giving by holding more of a conversation than a debate.

When there were 11 candidates, the library partnered with Kansas City Public Television to hold a fast-paced forum. It felt quick and informative and didn’t allow for the invited candidates to rely on their template answers. When the field was narrowed down to two candidates, the library and KSHB, the local NBC affiliate, partnered to hold a sit-down forum that stood out from the six hosted by the local newspaper focusing on five themes determined to be the biggest issues facing candidates.

The Kansas City Public Library established itself as a trusted community partner both with local news outlets, and with those who want to remain informed. The library maintained its core values that all are welcome and anyone in attendance at the forums left better informed before they went out to vote. The library also established and maintained good relationships with the candidates, mayor-elect and voters throughout the election cycle setting itself up for further trust in election-related programming.