United Way to Host “Strong Rhode Island” Gubernatorial Forum and Civic Fair
August 26 nonpartisan event provides Rhode Islanders an opportunity to hear directly from candidates and access voter education and civic engagement resources
As Rhode Islanders prepare to elect their next governor, United Way will host a “Strong Rhode Island” Gubernatorial Forum on Wednesday, August 26. The event will bring voters together to hear directly from candidates about the issues that matter most to families, workers, seniors, young people, businesses, nonprofits, and communities across the state.
In addition to the candidate forum, attendees will be able to participate in a Civic Fair, offering opportunities to register to vote, learn about the voting process, and access nonpartisan voter education resources. The Civic Fair will also provide information about Rhode Islanders’ September Primary and November General Election and voting locations.
The nonpartisan event will be held at Graduate Hotel Providence, 11 Dorrance Street, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hosted as part of United Way’s “United We Vote 2026” initiative, the forum will center the concerns and priorities of Rhode Islanders while providing an informative and interactive experience.
Each participating gubernatorial candidate will have an individual opportunity to answer the same set of questions in a moderated discussion. Candidates will not appear on stage at the same time, helping ensure a fair and consistent format. The discussion will be grounded in United Way’s “Strong Rhode Island” framework, which focuses on three interconnected priorities:
- Strong Families: access to safe and affordable housing, quality education, affordable health care, economic opportunity, and the resources families need to thrive.
- Strong Communities: building vibrant, equitable communities where residents have a voice in shaping policies that impact their neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and future.
- Strong Nonprofits: strengthening the nonprofit sector that serves as a critical partner in addressing community challenges and improving quality of life through the state.
Candidates will be asked about issues including housing affordability and homelessness, economic mobility, workforce development, education and youth opportunity, healthcare and behavioral health, aging and disability services, and more.
The forum will begin with a brief presentation highlighting key issues affecting Rhode Islanders, including findings from the new local ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report, and trends relating to housing, workforce, healthcare access, and community needs.
“Democracy works best when people are informed, engaged, and empowered to participate,” said Cortney Nicolato, United Way’s president and CEO. “The Strong Rhode Island Gubernatorial Forum and Civic Fair is designed to elevate community voice and help Rhode Islanders connect the issues that matter in their daily lives to public policy, while ensuring they have the information and resources they need when it comes time to cast their votes this fall.”
