These past several months, we have witnessed the Republican and Democratic presidential primary debates, and general election debates are in the months to come. These debates are viewed as an indispensable part of our political process, as they serve the dual roles of helping the public select office holders and educating the public on current issues, the likes of which Alabama is no stranger to. Debates spark public conversation on current issues and provide a means for voters to feel empowered with the vote they place for their choice of candidate.

Despite the benefits debates offer the democratic process, there was no debate held between the two main-party candidates for governor this past election cycle in Alabama. The state lacked a televised platform for the two candidates to stand out and outline their distinct visions for the state. With no platform for comparison, an incumbent governor sailed through the voting process for an easy reelection. While the same result could have occurred even with a debate, the principle of democratic representation requires elected officials to be accountable to their constituents. In this case, a sitting governor should at least publically put forth a counter to the policy platform of a candidate receiving support from approximately thirty-five percent of the electorate.

Our state’s general fund budget is in perpetual dire straits, and elected officials struggle to develop a long term strategy for easing the problem. Our prison system was recently at risk of a federal takeover, and there is concern that funds may not be available to support the reform passed into law last legislative session. Our school children continuously test behind their peers in other states, and many politicians propose cuts to the already limited state funding our schools receive. These issues deserve more than just lip service from thirty second television ads. They deserve a full and formal public debate at the attention of Alabama voters, who can then make a fully informed decision on the direction they want our state to take.

I encourage Alabama’s Democratic and Republican parties to come together for the purpose of a statewide gubernatorial debate during the 2018 election cycle. There is much to be gained through an expanded public dialogue on current affairs. By communicating side-by-side and directly to the electorate, both parties will have the perfect stage to not only explain their policy stances to Alabama voters, but to also explain why their direction is preferable to that of the other side. Alabama faces many long term issues, and we must take seriously the means of overcoming them. A gubernatorial debate on these very issues will benefit voters and enable them to see that their choice of candidate matches the direction they desire for the state.

Going one step further, I encourage The University of Alabama to host such a debate if it were to occur. There is arguably no better place to discuss the future of our state than on the grounds of this state’s flagship institution of higher learning and developer of this state’s future leaders. Our state owes such a debate to its voters, and we owe it to the future of Alabama to provide the means for true debate and informed decisions in future gubernatorial elections.

Hunter Richey is a junior majoring in Economics and Political Science. His column runs biweekly.