The public is welcome to attend, at no cost, The Virginia Bar Association's ninth consecutive gubernatorial candidate debate. Registration is required. Access to the debate hall is limited to registered attendees wearing VBA-provided badges. To register, go to the VBA Registration Desk in the Garden Room of the hotel after 8:30 a.m. the morning of the debate.

The 2017 event, featuring Lt. Gov. Ralph S. Northam and Edward W. "Ed" Gillespie, begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 22, during the VBA's 127th Summer Meeting at The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia. Judy Woodruff of "PBS NewsHour" will moderate.

Doors to the debate hall, in the Grand Ballroom, open at 10:30 a.m.

For those who registered online

Online registrants can pick up badges at the VBA Registration Desk in the Garden Room of the hotel the morning of the debate.

Suggest a Debate Question

Debate rules

Other than applause during the introductions and at the conclusion of the debate, the role of the audience is one of silent observation. No campaigning or campaign paraphernalia is permitted on hotel property, except at a Meet the Candidates Reception for VBA Summer Meeting registrants and the candidates. No photography or audio or video recordings of the proceedings are permitted except by VBA staff, the VBA's conference audio-visual provider and registered news media.

All public debate guests agree to follow the VBA debate rules.