By Marisa RussellNews Editor
On Sept. 23, The Commission on Presidential Debates announced the sites and dates for the 2016 election cycle, and Hofstra University was not listed as a primary site. The University was named the official backup site, in case one of the four sites chosen cannot perform their duties.
One of the four universities chosen has previously hosted a debate, but the other three will be hosting them for the first time in history. The first presidential debate will be held on Sept. 26, 2016 at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, which will be quickly followed by the second and third presidential debates on Oct. 4 at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia and Oct. 19 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, respectively.
Washington University will be the veteran host, while the other three will be making their debut in presidential debates. These schools were chosen from among 16 schools and cities that submitted bids in April, all of which were hoping to snag a prestigious spot.
According to ABC News, The Commission’s Executive Director Janet Brown said sites were reviewed on their own merit, but repeat sites are often stronger and more enticing contenders.
Along with the four official sites, the Dominican University of California will host an initiative to encourage young voters to discuss common issues that will appear in the debates through technology and social media.