You're invited to Flip the Script on Mat-Su's state and local elections

Mat-Su residents have a new way to engage with local government, share their perspectives and connect with neighbors during a pair of fun and engaging civic events hosted by Mat-Su Sentinel.

Unlike traditional candidate forums, the Sentinel’s award-winning Flip the Script candidate events give voters a way to both hear from the candidates and get their own opinions in front of them.

This year, Mat-Su Sentinel will host two Flip the Script events, one with Mat-Su-area state House and Senate candidates and one with Mat-Su Borough Assembly and School Board candidates.

Flip the Script is the only opportunity for Mat-Su voters to connect with candidates in a nonpartisan setting.

Both events are free and open to the public. Food and drinks will be provided, and advance registration is encouraged.

The Sentinel is also seeking volunteers to help with both events. Sign up to volunteer for the Sunday state event here, and for the Thursday borough event here. Volunteers receive a free Mat-Su Sentinel T-shirt!

Here’s what you need to know.

Flip the Script: State Edition

The first event, Flip the Script: State Edition, will feature candidates running for Alaska state House and Senate seats representing the Mat-Su. It will take place from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Glenn Massay Theater. Doors will open at 1 p.m.

Candidates will provide brief introductions as audience members share their perspectives on the topics impacting our state, giving candidates a chance to understand what voters really want.

Flip the Script: Mat-Su Borough Edition

The second Flip the Script will bring together candidates running for the Mat-Su Borough Assembly and Matanuska-Susitna Borough School Board. It will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Palmer Depot.

Just like State Edition, the borough Flip the Script will give voters a chance to meet and hear from local candidates, then turn the conversation around to give the candidates an exclusive opportunity to really hear from voters.

About Flip the Script

The Sentinel introduced Flip the Script in 2025 as an alternative to the traditional candidate forum. Instead of centering the entire event on candidate debate, the format pairs brief candidate remarks with live, anonymous audience polling and opportunities for candidates and voters to speak one-on-one.

More than 150 residents attended the inaugural event at the Palmer Depot, where eight Borough Assembly and School Board candidates participated alongside Borough Manager Mike Brown. About 20 volunteers helped run the event. The evening focused on listening and community connection, with residents offering real-time feedback on borough taxes, spending priorities and public education. Read about the 2025 event.

“Our community needs places where voters can learn directly from candidates and candidates can hear directly from the people they hope to represent,” Mat-Su Sentinel founder and editor Amy Bushatz said. “Flip the Script creates that space in a way that is welcoming, useful and focused on genuine civic connection.”

The community-centered format received a national award following its first year.

The events are part of the nonprofit Mat-Su Sentinel’s free civic education coverage, which also includes interactive voter guides built around questions and topics submitted by Mat-Su residents. Candidate responses in the guides are published in the candidates’ own words without editing.

Mat-Su Sentinel is a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom providing free, fact-based local reporting and civic information throughout the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.