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BRISTOL, R.I. – ��ܽ����Ƶ will be hosting the first live televised debate in Rhode Island’s gubernatorial race on Thursday, Sept. 27, as part of ��ܽ����Ƶ’s new partnership with WPRI 12.

The debate will include Democratic Gov. Gina M. Raimondo, Republican Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung and former state Rep. Joseph A. Trillo, who is running as an independent.

During the debate, an ��ܽ����Ƶ student will ask a question of the candidates, and ��ܽ����Ƶ journalism students will be shadowing WPRI 12 reporters, producers and camera operators. Immediately after the debate, ��ܽ����Ƶ students will take part in a Facebook Live event with a WPRI 12 reporter.

“We are pleased to be hosting this important political event,” ��ܽ����Ƶ Interim President Andy Workman said. “It will offer an invaluable service to the voters of Rhode Island while also providing students with an up-close look at electoral politics and journalism in action – the kind of real-world experiential education that ��ܽ����Ƶ is known for.”

The debate will run from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Global Heritage Hall Atrium. Guests must be in their seats by 6:15 p.m., and doors will close at 6:40 p.m. No backpacks, large bags, props or signs will be allowed inside.

Seating for the event will be limited. Guests will need to show a confirmation email and identification at the door.

Members of the ��ܽ����Ƶ community who wish to attend must send an email to events@rwu.edu by the end of the day on Monday, Sept. 24.

All other members of the public must fill out a sign-up form on the website, which will be available in the coming days.

In March, ��ܽ����Ƶ forged a partnership with WPRI 12 to conduct polling during the 2018 campaign season, gauging public opinion on both the major races in Rhode Island and matters of significant public policy. The debate is part of that partnership, which aims to provide data and public forums to assist voters and policymakers in making their decisions.

The results of the latest poll will be released on Thursday.