Pizza and Politics is back. Every other year, Dr. Robert McMonagle harnesses the intellectual and organizational skills of his State and Local Government class to engage students in the democratic process.

This year’s event is scheduled for Sora Luna Lounge on Wednesday, October 7, at 8 p.m., the evening of the Josh Shapiro-Stacy Garrity Pennsylvania Gubernatorial Debate with student electoral presentations and food starting by 7:30 p.m.

McMonagle’s students will introduce the U.S. Congressional and state/local races as well the Pennsylvania gubernatorial debate at 7:30, identifying some key issues to watch for. After the broadcast, they will moderate a town hall discussion about what the candidates said and how they performed.

One issue of interest to young voters is sure to be where the candidates stand on the construction of data centers in the state, including one proposed in Trainer, PA, near Neumann.

In addition to the election of governor, all 17 of the state's U.S. House of Representatives seats, half of the 50 seats in the State Senate, and all 203 seats in the State House are on the November 3 ballot.

There are several working groups in the State and Local Government class, including one planning the Pizza and Politics event. Just as critical to the learning experience, however, are other teams: one organizing an on-campus and cyber voter registration drive and another responsible for promoting the first two efforts.

The registration deadline in Pennsylvania is October 19.