Last-minute forum held for Wilmington City Council candidates on primary ballot

Days before the start of early voting in Delaware and two weeks ahead of the Sept. 10 primary election, the only candidate forum for Wilmington City Council seats took place over two evenings.

Held at the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew on Aug. 26 and 27, the event was organized by several community groups, including the Wilmington Fines and Fees Justice Campaign, H.O.M.E.S. Campaign, Delaware Poor People's Campaign and Delaware Working Families Party.

Cecilia Hobbs of the Delaware Poor People's Campaign moderated the first night, while Meryem Dede of the Wilmington Fines and Fees Justice Campaign led the second. The forum allowed candidates to address key community concerns through questions submitted by community members and the public. Topics covered included:

• Housing and homelessness
• Renter rights
• Water bills
• Civic fees
• Policing and public safety
• Climate change impacts
• Real estate development
• Constituent accessibility

The forum was broadcast live on Facebook, with the Aug. 26 recording available on a participant's Facebook page and the Aug. 27 recording on the Wilmington Fines and Fees Justice Campaign and the H.O.M.E.S. Campaign.

Wilmington City Council structure and candidates

The Wilmington City Council consists of eight council district seats and four at-large seats , all up for election. Candidates are running unopposed in districts 4, 6, and 8. All candidates in contested primary seats were invited to attend the forum. Among those who participated were:

District 1

• Coby Owens
• Vincent White

District 2

• Shané Darby

District 3

• Donald Farrell

District 5

• Christian Willauer

District 7

• Peggy A. Brooks
• James Dahlke

At-Large:

• Latisha Bracy
• Alexander Hackett
• Waynna Dobson

Early voting and primary election information

Early voting for the primary election has begun in Delaware. Registered voters can cast their ballots at these two citywide early voting locations in Wilmington:

1. Christina Crossing: 501 S. Walnut St., Suite 13 (ShopRite shopping center, next to Wing Stop)
2. Police Athletic League: 3707 N. Market St.

Early voting hours:

• Aug. 28-31: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Sept. 3: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Sept. 4-8: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Delaware operates under a closed primary system, meaning only voters registered with a major political party can vote in that party's primary. The outcome of the September primary will significantly influence the November general election and potentially shape Wilmington's future direction. As a Democratic stronghold, Wilmington's primary often determines the composition of the city's next group of elected officials.

The Nov. 5 general election ballot will include winners from the September primary, along with minor-party candidates, unaffiliated candidates and declared write-in candidates.

Visit our guide for a complete list of who will be on Wilmington's primary ballot, including mayoral candidates.

You can c ontact Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com .

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Last-minute forum held for Wilmington City Council candidates on primary ballot