On Thursday, October 22, the NAACP of Ellenville and the NAACP of Sullivan County will join forces to host an EVENING WITH THE CANDIDATES Forum at the Seelig Theatre at SUNY Sullivan in Loch Sheldrake, NY.

Doors open to the public at 6:30 PM, and the forum will start promptly at 7:00 PM. There will be two separate panels spotlighting NYS Senate District 51 and US Congressional District 19, a political area shared by both local NAACP branches.

Candidates and campaigns working to represent NYS Senate District 51, Michele Frazier and Chris Tague, will make up our first panel. The second panel of candidates vying to represent the expansive rural 19th Congressional District features New York State Senator Peter Oberacker and incumbent US Representative Josh Riley. The evening will be moderated by the NAACP, covering a wide range of issues at the top of voters' minds—from affordability to healthcare, housing, quality jobs, and rural resources.

“Voting gives you the power to create a government that works for you. Being an informed voter is crucial for you to cast your ballot for the candidates who share your values and vision,” said Maude Bruce, President of NAACP Ellenville. “We are thrilled to partner with NAACP Sullivan County to help ensure that voters go to the polls with the knowledge to make informed decisions.”

“The NAACP New York State Conference is celebrating 90 years of advocacy in 2026. Established in 1909, for 117 years the NAACP National remains the oldest civil rights organization in the USA advancing an agenda focused on protecting civil rights, expanding opportunity, and addressing systemic inequities,” stated David Jett, President of the NAACP in Sullivan County.

The NAACP of Ellenville and the NAACP of Sullivan County are united in a collective determination to thrive together, to make sure solutions to our most pressing issues are equitable, and to educate our members on policies that strengthen our communities and protect our future. Both NAACP branches warmly invite the community to join us in this civic engagement event and learn more about our respective work in our communities.

NAACP of Ellenville, NY and Sullivan County, NY