Durham Reporter

Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce recently issued the following announcement.

Election day is Tuesday, March 3rd. Learn about candidates for County Commissioner with the (un)forum 2020! The (un)forum 2020 is a virtual candidate forum that makes voting much easier for the 200,000+ Chamber member employees who live and work throughout Chatham, Durham, and Orange Counties.

“Our election ballots may be local, but our issues span the region as do our member employers and their employees,” said Aaron Nelson, President and CEO, The Chamber For a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro. “To better serve our region, we teamed up with neighboring chambers across three counties on a shared election platform, called the (un)forum.”

(un)forum 2020

The (un)forum 2020 is coordinated by The Chamber For a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro in partnership with the Chatham Chamber of Commerce, Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, and Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce, and powered by local technology company, shineBIG.

The goal for the (un)forum 2020 is to make it easier for the chambers’ collective network of more than 2,000 employers and 200,000 employees to learn about the candidates and their priorities. In comparison to a traditional, in-person candidate forum, the (un)forum uses video technology to conveniently connect candidates and constituents, and social media to keep the conversations going.

All candidates who filed for the Chatham, Durham, or Orange County Commissioner races as well as the Orange County Schools Board of Education race were invited to participate. Commissioner candidates were asked to share the three things they will do to make their county a great place to start and grow a business. School Board candidates were asked to share their priorities related to improving the future workforce.

A hallmark of the (un)forum 2020 is the first-ever engagement in races across three counties. The (un)forum is now in its fourth election cycle. Learn more at (un)forum 2019, (un)forum 2018, and (un)forum 2017.

Primary Elections

Primary Elections are a process in the Spring for voters to indicate their preference for a party’s candidate in the Fall General Election. The 2020 Primary Election is on March 3, 2020. Voters can review the full list of candidates who filed to run for office in Orange, Chatham, and Durham Counties, and find their polling place through this search engine.

“Businesses lead our region and are active partners with elected officials at all levels in bettering our communities,” said Geoff Durham, President and CEO, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce. “We’re excited to join this platform to help connect our members to local candidates and voting information.”

About the Partners

The Chamber For a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro is a membership organization that advances the business interests of our community and builds a sustainable community where business thrives. Visit the Chamber’s Election Hub, a one-stop shop for election information, resources, and candidate surveys.

Chatham Chamber of Commerce is a membership-driven organization focusing on the economic vitality of Chatham County and the increased visibility and advocacy of its members.

Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce is the leading Economic Development organization advocating for the Durham business community. Since 1906 the Chamber has played a critical role in working with both private and public sectors in addressing challenges that face our community.

Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce is a business leadership organization and the primary voice for member-business development and economic growth through innovative community collaboration. Register now for “Face Time with Your Candidates” on Feb 26.

Original source: https://durhamchamber.org/blognewsposts/chambers-connect-to-make-early-voting-easy-with-the-unforum-2020/