WARREN — U.S. Rep. Timothy J. Ryan and his challenger Christopher DePizzo will debate Nov. 1 in Trumbull County.

The event, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. inside the LaBrae High School auditorium in Leavittsburg, is being sponsored by the Tribune Chronicle.

The event is free, but a ticket is required. Tickets will be available beginning today in the Tribune Chronicle offices, 240 Franklin St. SE, Warren, which are open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. A limit of four tickets per person will be distributed. For information, call 330-841-1696.

DePizzo, 31, the Republican challenger from Cuyahoga Falls, has been calling on Ryan, 45, the Democratic incumbent from Howland, to face off in a debate.

Until now, the two 13th Congressional District political opponents have appeared only in candidate forums and town hall-type gatherings. This will be the first moderated debate between the two candidates consisting of specific questions with timed responses and rebuttals.

“Debates allow for a thoughtful exchange of ideas and allow for the candidates to challenge each other’s stances and records. It’s that ability to challenge the statements of an opponent that makes a debate different than a forum,” DePizzo said. “It’s important every voter be as informed as possible before they vote, and this debate will go a long way in allowing both of us to compare and contrast our experience, record and vision for the future of the Valley.”

Ryan said that he looks forward to the event.

“Voters in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District will have the opportunity to hear from both candidates and decide for themselves who is best qualified to represent them in Congress. This is democracy in action,” Ryan said. “I look forward to a robust conversation and exchange of ideas.”

More than 500 free tickets will be distributed for the event. Attendees must have a ticket.

“The debate will give our readers and voters a chance to hear what Congressman Ryan and Mr. DePizzo have to say about important issues here at home and in Washington,” said Tribune Chronicle Editor Brenda J. Linert.

For that reason, the Tribune Chronicle is inviting voters to submit questions that may be posed to the candidates during the debate.

The newspaper is encouraging readers to email suggested questions to editor@tribtoday.com. Include “debate question” in the email’s subject line.

Readers also may mail or drop off suggested questions to Tribune Chronicle, Attn: Debate question, 240 Franklin St. SE, Warren, Ohio 44483. Questions must be received by 5 p.m. Oct. 28 in order to be considered. Include your name, address and phone number.

“Critical decisions that affect both our local community and our nation will be made at the polls on Nov. 6. That’s why it’s so important that voters be educated on the candidates. It is especially helpful when voters are able to hear the candidates’ views in a structured political debate,” Linert said. “We are very excited to be able to provide this opportunity for the 13th District Congressional race.”

Questions will be vetted in advance, but they will not be shared with the candidates. Candidates will have the chance to answer questions directed at him, the other will have a chance to respond and a rebuttal will be allowed.

Candidates and audience members are not permitted to carry campaign signs or distribute campaign literature in the auditorium, but there will be space outside of the auditorium for those materials.