03/04/2026
Dear Candidate,
We would like to invite you to present your campaign at the Taney County Republicans’ Municipal Candidate Forums. These are “Meet the Candidate” events for Republican candidates running in the April 7, 2026 Municipal Election. Candidates are welcome to participate in one or both forums.
Forum Details
Eastern Taney County Forum
📅 Friday, March 6, 2026
⏰ Forum: 12:00–1:00 p.m.
🚪 Doors Open / Meet & Greet: 11:00 a.m. (before and after the forum)
📍 Oaxaca Family Restaurant – Downstairs Meeting Room
Forsyth, MO
🎤 Moderator: Shane Keys
Western Taney County Forum
📅 Friday, March 20, 2026
⏰ Forum: 12:00–1:00 p.m.
🚪 Doors Open / Meet & Greet: 11:00 a.m. (before and after the forum)
📍 Golden Corral – Large Meeting Room (Highway 248 end of building)
Branson, MO
🎤 Moderator: Stanley Merriman
If you plan to eat, please arrive early to allow enough time to dine prior to the forum.
While the scheduled forum time is one hour, events may extend up to two hours if needed. Based on the current ballot, we do not anticipate needing additional time.
Event Format & Expectations
This is a speech-format-only event.
There will be no audience questions during podium time.
Questions may be asked and answered during the one-on-one meet and greet before and after the forum.
Speakers will follow General Ballot order:
Candidates in contested races will speak first.
Candidates running unopposed will speak after all contested races have concluded.
Each candidate will be given five (5) minutes to introduce themselves and discuss their campaign. This time limit will be strictly enforced, so we recommend preparing a four-minute speech to allow for flexibility.
Candidates may bring campaign materials to display or distribute and are encouraged to arrive early and stay afterward to mingle with attendees.
Party Affiliation Statement
This is a Republican event. We ask that candidates clearly state during their remarks whether or not they support Republican political philosophy.
Although municipal candidates are not required to declare party affiliation on the ballot, political philosophy often reflects how an individual will govern if elected. If a candidate does not address this during their remarks, the moderator will ask a single direct question regarding party alignment before the candidate leaves the podium. We strongly encourage candidates to incorporate this information into their prepared remarks.
Candidates who do not align with Republican philosophy are encouraged to participate in events hosted by organizations that reflect their values.
Additional Notes for Uncontested Races
Candidates running unopposed are asked to keep their remarks focused on their own campaign only. Promoting another candidate during your time is not permitted, as it creates an unfair advantage. Due to past issues, this policy will be enforced consistently to ensure fairness and transparency for all candidates.
Media & Promotion
Both forums will be livestreamed on our page, where posts are boosted and typically viewed by at least 1,000 local users. Videos remain available for 30 days and are also promoted on our website.
The Taney County Republicans do not promote or oppose individual candidates, except during a General Election when a Republican faces a Democrat. All candidates will be treated equally. A moderator and timekeeper will be present to ensure the event runs smoothly.
Questions?
Please contact us with any questions:
Stanley Merriman, President
[email protected]
(417) 337-0472
Shane Keys, Vice President
[email protected]
(417) 294-0360
Upcoming Primary Forum (Advance Notice)
We will use the same format for the August Primary. There will be one combined forum:
📅 Friday, July 17, 2026
📍 Golden Corral, Branson
⏰ Noon (end time TBD)
There will be no meeting on July 3, as it falls on the holiday weekend. Additional details will be shared in future meetings and communications.
We hope to see you soon and appreciate your willingness to engage with voters.
Taney County Republicans
