SOPAC is sold out! Please tune in to the ACLU of New Jersey’s YouTube and Facebook channels to watch the livestream.

On May 13, 2024, the ACLU of New Jersey, the League of Women Voters of New Jersey, and Salvation and Social Justice, in partnership with WNYC/New Jersey Public Radio, will host a debate between the Democratic candidates running for New Jersey’s U.S. Senate seat at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC).

Moderated by WNYC’s Morning Edition Host Michael Hill, this debate will offer voters an opportunity to hear candidate positions on critical issues like racial justice, immigrants’ rights, reproductive freedom, and more.

Attendance is free, but registration is required. For those unable to attend in person, the debate will be livestreamed on the ACLU of New Jersey’s YouTube and Facebook channels, and broadcasted on delay by WNYC, WBGO, and WHYY.

SOPAC is an accessible cultural destination. Click here for more information.

• Please arrive no later than 5:30pm to ensure a smooth and efficient entry process.
• Please bring a government-issued ID matching the name used at registration. Only one registration per email address is allowed.
• All bags are subject to search upon entry and re-admittance to the theatre. SOPAC employees and security personnel may search patrons’ personal belongings such as handbags, briefcases, backpacks or other packages.
• Any patron who refuses to permit a search will be denied entrance to the Democratic Primary Senate Debate. Any personal item or bag larger than 12”x 12” x 8” that will not safely stow under seats are strictly prohibited in the theatre.
• Unattended items are subject to search.
• SOPAC is not responsible for any property that is lost, stolen or damaged.
• Handheld metal detector screening or security wanding may be instituted if a guest speaker or artist requires this as a precondition to performing at SOPAC. In such cases, SOPAC will make every effort to provide attending patrons with reasonable advance notice via website, email and on-site signage.
• SOPAC employees and security personnel will not conduct any pat down searches or require patrons to empty their pockets. They do reserve the right to deny entrance to any patron who is believed to be a danger to themselves or others or is otherwise in possession of any item that violates a SOPAC policy.
• The debate will be live-streamed and recorded for broadcast, thus, audience members are requested to silence their devices and refrain from clapping, booing, jeering, or making any noise during the debate, to ensure clarity of sound and adherence to timekeeping. Failure to comply with this request may result in removal from the theater by security staff.

• Patrons will be refused entry to SOPAC if in possession of any prohibited items:
• Campaign materials are not permitted, including but not limited to apparel, signs of any size, buttons/stickers, pamphlets, leaflets, and brochures.
• Noise makers are prohibited, including but not limited to whistles and air horns.
• Signs, posters, flags of any kind or of any size are not permitted in the venue.
• Weapons are not permitted, including but not limited to firearms, knives, and chemical defense weapons such as pepper spray or mace. Fireworks, explosives, illegal drugs or any other dangerous, hazardous or suspicious devices or weapons are not permitted. Illegal and prohibited items will be confiscated and turned over to local law enforcement.
• Outside food and beverage of any kind is not permitted in the venue.

Please note that failure to follow attendee rules may result in removal from the theater.