On January 10, 2023, ballots from 43 states, the National Speech and Debate Association, the National Catholic Forensic League, National Association for Urban Debate Leagues and the Nation Debate Coaches Association were received and tabulated for the 2023-2024 national high school policy debate topic. The 47 state/organizations that participated set a record for the amount of votes received. Economic Inequality was selected over Climate Change by a vote of 37-10.
In October the five topic areas were narrowed to two as part of a two-stage balloting process. The final round of voting opened in late October and concluded January 4th, 2023.
The 2023 Policy Debate Topic Selection Meeting will be held in Portland, Oregon from August 4th-6th, 2023. Specific information regarding lodging, travel arrangements and daily schedules will be sent to your office at a later date. You may also check our website at: https://www.nfhs.org/sports-resource-content/nfhs-policy-debate-topic-selection-meeting/.
HOW THEY VOTED FOR 2023-2024:

National Policy Debate Topic Area Balloting:
37 ECONOMIC INEQUALITY
Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase fiscal redistribution in the United States by adopting a federal jobs guarantee, expanding Social Security, and/or providing a basic income.
10 C****LIMATE CHANGE
Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.
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