Emmet and Charlevoix County 2026 General Election Candidate Forum

General Election Candidates Forum, September 28^th in Petoskey at North Central Michigan College
The Petoskey and Charlevoix Chambers of Commerce are working together with North Central Michigan College to host a Candidate Forum for those running in the August 4th primary election. 

The Forum and Meet and Greet event will be held Monday September 28th, 5:30-8:00 p.m. in the Athletic/Student Center at North Central Michigan College in Petoskey.  The Meet and Greet will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the forum will begin at 6:00 p.m.

The event is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. There will also be a livestream of the event that can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/@PetoskeyChamber.
           
Organizers say they have invited candidates for the 107^th State House race, 37^th State Senate race, U.S. Senate and U.S. Congressional 1^st District to participate in the event.
            
The Petoskey/Charlevoix Candidates’ Forum is intended to be a nonpartisan, educational, and respectful opportunity for area voters, businesses, and community members to hear directly from candidates seeking office in the November general election.

The forum is designed to provide insight into each candidate’s priorities, perspectives, and approach to issues impacting our region. It is not intended to serve as an endorsement of any candidate or political party by the sponsoring organizations.

No questions will be allowed from the audience, so if a voter has a specific question or issue, they would like to discuss, they are urged to come to the informal Meet and Greet session and talk to the candidates directly. 

 
As is customary with any large, public event, North Central Michigan College, which is hosting the Emmet and Charlevoix County Primary Candidate Forum, as well as event organizers Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce and Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce, are working closely with local public safety officials to ensure that the September 28 candidate forum is safe and informative for all in attendance. Individuals exercising their First Amendment right to peaceably assemble are welcome do so in the college’s designated Free Speech Circle, located in the center of campus and marked with a blue sign. 
 
If you have questions contact Nikki Devitt at the Petoskey Chamber, at 231-347-4150 or nikki@petoskeychamber.com.