Tony Cook

tony.cook@indystar.com

The candidates in Indiana's race for governor have agreed to three debates before the November election, the Indiana Debate Commission announced Tuesday.

Republican Eric Holcomb, Democrat John Gregg and Libertarian Rex Bell will participate in all three events.

The first is scheduled for Sept. 27 at Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis. The event will have an education focus and take place during school hours before an audience of high school students, teachers and administrators, with some questions posed by students. University of Indianapolis political science professor Laura Merrifield Albright will moderate, and the debate will be webcast to schools across the state.

"Being involved in an event such as this is a new experience for the Debate Commission,” Dan Byron, president of the commission, said. “We’re excited to be part of an event that helps young people better understand our democratic system of electing our top officials in government, and we are pleased that the three candidates also recognize this opportunity.”

The first debate will take place on National Voter Registration Day, which is also the day after the first scheduled presidential debate.

"So voting and debates will be fresh on the minds of the public," Byron said. "This is perfect timing for the first of our fall debates."

The other two debates will occur in October in the evening and will be televised. Details including specific dates and locations are still being finalized. Members of the public can submit questions for all three debates through the Debate Commission's website: http://indianadebatecommission.com.

The Debate Commission is also working to schedule two televised U.S. Senate debates with Democrat Evan Bayh, Republican Todd Young and Libertarian Lucy Brenton.

The Indiana Debate Commission has organized all televised debates among candidates for governor and U.S. Senate in Indiana since 2008.

Call IndyStar reporter Tony Cook at (317) 444-6081. Follow him on Twitter: @indystartony.

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