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Here's your chance to quiz the people hoping they can win your vote
You've seen it on the TV - now political debate is coming to a venue near you.
With a General Election looming, The News has organised a series of Question-Time style public debates to give you the chance to put your questions directly to the politicians.
The first event will take place on Friday, April 9, at Waterlooville Community Centre where five candidates from different parties standing for the Meon Valley seat have agreed to sit on a panel and face the public.
Any question could come up, from local transport issues to policies on crime and immigration.
After that similar events will take place in Gosport on April 19, Fareham on April 20, Portsmouth south on April 21, Portsmouth north on April 22 and Havant on April 27.
If you live in any of these areas you are welcome to come along and find out what you want to know about what each party stands for to help determine who will get your vote.
Mark Waldron, editor of The News, said: 'This General Election promises to be one of the most exciting for many years with each party locked in a fierce fight for every vote.
'We wanted to give people the chance to directly ask the politicians the questions that really matter to them.
'We hope to get a good turnout and some lively debates that tackle local issues people care about.
'So if there's something on your mind or you're keen to find out more about the policies of the parties - or the politicians as people - then get in touch with us for your chance to come along and take part.'
The seats for each event will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis, with details of how to get a space printed in the paper before the event.
How you can get involved...
The first of the series of six public debates will take place at Waterlooville Community Centre on April 9 for candidates and residents of the newly-formed Meon Valley constituency.
Candidates from five parties standing for election have agreed to take part and the managers of the community centre have agreed to provide both the venue and equipment needed for the evening.
The panel will comprise Liz Leffman from the Liberal Democrats, George Hollingbery from the Conservatives, Howard Linsley from the Labour Party, Patrick Harris from the English Democrats and Steve Harris from UKIP.
The event will start at 6.30pm and last until approximately 8pm.
Seating will be limited, and anyone wanting to attend must contact The News in advance.
If you want to attend, email your full name, address and a contact phone number to debate@thenews.co.uk
Places will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis.
Those who are allocated places will be checked off a list on the door on arrival.
If you want to attend and there are specific questions you would like to ask, please include these on your email as there is more chance they will get heard if they are sent in advance.
There is no guarantee all questions sent in will be asked. The debate will by chaired by a senior member of The News' editorial team who will have ultimate discretion over which questions are put to candidates.
Please check The News for further details of the other debates, including venues, timings, details of who is taking part and how to attend.
>> Vote in our latest web poll.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 4 C
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Wind direction: South east
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Sunny
Temperature: -4 C to 2 C
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