Voice of San Diego's Virtual Politifest Runs Sept. 29-Oct. 3

It’s an election year, an important time of year to invest time and attention to the finer details as voters study ballots, pick their desired leaders and voice support for or against public measures that affect daily life in this part of California and beyond.

Just as an election year is a necessity, so, too, is the service hosted by the Voice of San Diego — its annual public affairs summit known as Politifest.

Launched in 2011, Politifest focuses on issues affecting San Diego communities. In an election year, Politifest focuses on candidates and ballot measures. When it’s a non-election year, the focus turns to the most important topics driving public policy and community conversation.

The year 2020 has been one for the ages due to COVID-19 and its impact on everything. It figures that 2020 would be host to an election where not only the President of the United States is determined, but plenty of local and state leaders and initiatives will be voted on as well.

That’s a few of the reasons why you should consider tuning into the all-virtual Politifest each day, from Tuesday, September 29 to Saturday, October 3.

You can view debates to learn about local candidates, and take in discussions of issues ranging from affordable housing, redistricting, to how young Latino voters can affect the 2020 elections. Saturday’s programming consists of a wide scope of community conversations such as race relations, Generation Z, students and activism, police reform, policy to reduce the role, presence and budget of local police, COVID-19’s long-term impact on homelessness, equitable access to the outdoors and more.

This year’s summit examines races, ballot measures and major public issues through a future-facing lens: How will this year’s election affect our future? What are the implications for work, education, our communities?

The University of San Diego’s College of Arts and Sciences is one of several Politifest sponsors. There are a number of USD-connected participants — the Nonprofit Institute as well as multiple USD alumni — involved either in debates or as panelists. It is hoped that USD employees and current students who are registered to vote will take the time to register for Politifest and participate this week, whether it is to listen, to ask a question, or to be better educated on what’s happening locally and how can we work better together.

Take a closer look at this week’s Politifest schedule (subject to change, Voice of San Diego website will update as needed). Politifest is free for USD students and faculty, but registration is required.

— USD News Center