U.Va.’s Center for Politics has partnered with Actual Reality Pictures and the Showtime cable network to bring an episode of the new reality television series “American Candidate” to the U.Va. Grounds. On the show, participants select a “people’s candidate” whom they feel has the qualities and credentials to lead at the highest level. Contestants will face-off against each other in a series of challenges designed to test their political mettle.

The center will host a debate among the aspiring candidates June 20 at 1 p.m. in Old Cabell Hall Auditorium. U.Va. politics professor and center director Larry J. Sabato will co-moderate the event, along with the “American Candidate” show host. The event is free and open to the public.

On June 21, candidates will meet with community organizations in Charlottesville and Albemarle County to garner support for their “candidacy.” The Center for Politics invites groups interested in meeting with the American Candidates to submit their ideas via e-mail to Matt Smyth (smyth@virginia.edu).