Augusta Church Hosted School Board Candidate Forum

Twelve candidates discussed local education issues with voters at a forum organized by two local Greek organizations.

Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Elections

Empty community hall with rows of wooden chairs and afternoon sunlight streaming through windows. — Twelve candidates for the Richmond County Board of Education presented their platforms during a community-organized forum held in Augusta this week. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Broadway Baptist Church in Augusta served as the venue for an educational forum featuring 12 candidates running for the Richmond County Board of Education. Organizers designed the event to facilitate discussion on local concerns ahead of the upcoming election cycle.

Why it matters

The forum offered Richmond County residents a direct opportunity to engage with prospective board members on community-specific educational issues. Such events provide a non-campaign platform for voters to evaluate candidates before they reach the ballot box.

The forum featured 12 candidates competing for seats on the Richmond County Board of Education. This event was organized by the Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Alpha Chi Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The players

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

This is a historic international sorority founded at Howard University that is actively involved in community service and civic engagement projects.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Established as the first intercollegiate Greek-letter organization for African American men, the fraternity focuses on academic excellence and community leadership.

The details

The event at Broadway Baptist Church focused on providing an educational environment where residents could interact with those seeking to represent their school district. By moving away from traditional campaign rallies, organizers aimed to foster a clearer dialogue regarding the future of schools in the area.

October 13, 2026 is when early voting begins in Richmond County.

Political Context

Opponents of these types of candidate forums often argue that such events can inadvertently influence voter sentiment through the selection of topics or moderation styles. Critics generally advocate for more neutral debate formats to ensure that the process remains free from bias.

Residents should mark their calendars for October 13 to participate in early voting for the Richmond County Board of Education. The information shared at the forum can help voters finalize their decisions before casting their ballots.

The takeaway

Voters should utilize these non-campaign forums to gain clarity on candidate platforms before heading to the polls. Researching the specific candidates' stances on local school funding and curriculum can help ensure your vote aligns with your personal priorities.