It is political debate season in America. However, most of us don’t get the chance to personally witness the political debates in Washington, D.C.

Weber State University students and interested guests can experience a political debate from a much closer distance Monday night.

Mike Caldwell and Sebastian Benitez, Ogden mayor candidates, will square off at 7 p.m. in the Hurst Center’s Dumke Legacy Hall.

“One of the reasons I think people are not voting is that they don’t know the candidates,” panel organizer and political science student Mike Moklebust said. “This is a great way to get Weber State and the community more involved in politics.”

Moklebust said that the candidates will be able to take a stance on some of the most controversial topics in Ogden, including the future of the police force and the prohibition of chickens in backyards.

“It is also a great way to get to know the candidates and to understand their standpoints better,” Moklebust said.

After the debate, which Moklebust expects to last for about an hour, audience members may ask the candidates more questions at their campaign booths.

While most of the attention during the event will be on Caldwell and Benitez, two other political candidates will be featured at the panel. Richard Hyer, who is running uncontested for city council, and Luis Lopez, also running for city council, will be available for questions.

Ogden City elections will be held Nov. 3.