10 candidates to speak at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox: When to see them

The Des Moines Register Political Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair will once again offer Iowans the chance to get an up-close look at political candidates running for U.S. Congress and the presidency.

Ten candidates, two running for president and eight seeking to represent Iowans in Congress, are scheduled to speak at the fair during its 11-day run. The presidential candidates are independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Libertarian Chase Oliver.

The Register invited congressional and presidential candidates representing the Democratic, Libertarian and Republican parties and others who are expected to qualify for Iowa ballots in the Nov. 5 elections. It’s possible that additional candidates will meet the criteria to appear.

At the Soapbox, candidates are offered 20 minutes to address fairgoers on any topic they choose. The Soapbox stage is set up by the Grand Concourse in front of the Horner Service Center.

The Des Moines Register Political Soapbox has become an Iowa tradition that also puts the state on the national stage. The Des Moines Register will provide coverage and on-demand video from the speeches, which have attracted coverage by state and national media.

Candidates often precede or follow their Soapbox visit by touring the fairgrounds, mingling with fair crowds and sampling all matter of fair food.

The schedule is subject to change. Bookmark DesMoinesRegister.com/Soapbox for the latest schedule and to find coverage all fair long.

You can also follow updates with our free Iowa Politics Newsletter. Get signed up at DesMoinesRegister.com/PoliticsNewsletter .

2024 Des Moines Register Political Soapbox schedule

Friday, Aug. 9

• 4:30 p.m.: Republican Zach Nunn, incumbent, 3rd Congressional District

Saturday, Aug. 10

• Noon: Libertarian Nicholas Gluba, 1st Congressional District
• 1:30 p.m.: Democrat Christina Bohannan, 1st Congressional District
• 2:15 p.m.: Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. presidency
• 4:30 p.m.: Libertarian candidate Chase Oliver, U.S. presidency

Sunday, Aug. 11

• 1:30 p.m.: Democrat Ryan Melton, 4th Congressional District
• 2:15 p.m.: Libertarian Marco Battaglia, 3rd Congressional District
• 3 p.m.: Libertarian Charles Aldrich, 4th Congressional District

Monday, Aug. 12

• 4:30 p.m.: Democrat Lanon Baccam, 3rd Congressional District

Tuesday, Aug. 13

• 4:30 p.m.: Democrat Sarah Corkery, 2nd Congressional District

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 10 candidates to speak at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox: When to see them