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Vice presidential debate rules for next week's Walz-Vance showdown have been announced

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Vice presidential debate rules for next week's Walz-Vance showdown have been announced

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WASHINGTON – JD Vance and Tim Walz's microphones will remain active during Tuesday's vice presidential debate, even when it's their opponent's turn. This is according to debate rules published by CBS News on Friday and agreed upon by both campaigns.

However, CBS News reserves the right to turn off contestants' microphones if the anchors deem it necessary.

The agreement marks a departure from the Sept. 10 presidential debate between Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump, in which the microphone was muted throughout for the candidate who did not answer a question.

More: Vice presidential candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz on the move: See the 2024 campaigns

Whether to use hot or muted microphones was a major point of contention in the run-up to the presidential debate, with Harris unsuccessfully pushing on the campaign trail to keep both Trump's and Harris' microphones active. However, the two sides agreed on the topic of the VP debate.

Here are additional rules and guidelines for the debate, which will take place at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City. CBS anchor Norah O'Donnell and Face the Nation anchor Margaret Brennan will moderate the debate.

When does the debate start?

Tuesday, October 1st, 9pm ET

How long will the debate last?

90 minutes, with a two minute break each time

Will there be a live audience?

No, just like the presidential debate, there will be no live audience. Only Vance, Walz and the two moderators will take part in the VP debate. All questions will be asked by the moderators, who will first introduce Walz as the incumbent party's vice presidential candidate.

Will the candidates be sitting or standing?

Historically, the two vice presidential candidates sit at vice presidential debates. But unlike before, Vance and Walz will stand behind the podiums and the two moderators will sit. Walz is positioned on the right side of the television screen and Vance is positioned on the left.

How long do candidates have to answer questions?

The candidate who is asked a question is given two minutes to answer – and the other candidate is given two minutes to answer

Each candidate is then given one minute to present further counterarguments.

From there, moderators have the opportunity to extend the discussion by giving candidates an additional minute to speak.

More: What's it like debating JD Vance? We asked the only Democrat who did that

More: What's it like debating Tim Walz?

Will the candidates be informed about the timing?

Yes. Lights in the studio alert candidates to how much time they have left to answer a question.

The lights will remain green until 15 seconds remain, turn yellow until five seconds, begin flashing red after five seconds, and then change to solid red when time is up.

Will there be final statements?

Yes, both candidates have two minutes to make a closing statement. Vance chose to give his final speech second to Walz after winning a coin toss on Thursday that decided the order.

Do candidates have any questions in advance?

No. Questions are decided by the moderators, with no topics or questions shared with campaigns or candidates in advance.

What about notes and props?

Candidates will not be allowed to have pre-written notes or supplies during the debate, but will be provided with a pen, pad of paper and bottle of water.

Campaign staff will not be allowed to interact with candidates during the two breaks.

Reach Joey Garrison on X, formerly Twitter, @joeygarrison

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