INDIANAPOLIS | The e-mail savvy electorate will help decide what the three candidates for Indiana governor will debate next month in Merrillville.

The Indiana Debate Commission on Tuesday began soliciting questions for the Sept. 16 gubernatorial debate at the Star Plaza Theatre. Chime in at http://www.indianadebatecommission.com.

Snail mail submissions also are being accepted. Mail questions to Indiana Debate Commission, 3909 North Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208.

The best entries will provide fodder for the yet-to-be-named moderator of the Merrillville debate involving incumbent Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels, Democrat Jill Long Thompson and Libertarian Andy Horning.

A second debate a week later in Jasper will feature audience questions delivered in a town hall setting.

A moderator will handle the questions during the third and final debate, which is scheduled for Oct. 14 in Bloomington.

"These three formats will provide the best opportunities for interaction from the public, including one debate that will allow selected participants to ask questions during a live broadcast," said Kevin Finch, president of the debate commission and news director at WISH-TV in Indianapolis.

The commission, a coalition of journalism and good government groups, plans to name the debate moderators in the next two weeks. Information on free tickets to the Merrillville debate also is forthcoming.

Questions for the Merrillville debate are due by Sept. 12. The best querists may receive VIP seats for one of the debates.