INDIANAPOLIS -- The stage has been set for FOX59/CBS4's upcoming gubernatorial debate. Two of Indiana's candidates for governor, U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.), the Republican candidate, and Jennifer McCormick, the Democratic candidate, have met Nexstar's debate criteria to participate in the FOX59/CBS4 debate next month. This comes after current Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, a Republican, is not able to seek reelection because of state term limit laws. How were the two candidates chosen? FOX59/CBS4 determined the participants in its governor debate based on debate criteria set by Nexstar Media Inc., the parent company of both stations. According to the criteria, a participating candidate is required to comply with all five sections of the company's debate criteria, including: Must be legally qualified and listed on the ballot for the office or be a write-in candidate who meets all the legal qualifications for the office being sought Must have publicly announced their candidacy in a public forum Must be actively campaigning for election, having at least four of the following: Campaign phone number Publicized and dedicated candidate-specific website or webpage, or dedicated social media presence Planned in-district appearances or invitations to appear and/or speak at public gatherings Monetary contributions Campaign literature Press coverage identifying the candidate as a candidate in the current election by at least eight unique news reports, including newspapers, TV, cable news, radio or online news website that are recognized by local and/or national media. Must have received at least 10% in a ballot test poll question (Who do you plan to vote for?) that includes all candidates on the ballot running for the position in a professionally conducted nonpartisan poll chosen by Nexstar Media released within 120 days before the general election Must have reported the acceptance of at least $100,000 in monetary campaign contributions, at least 25% of which must be raised from in-state constituents. As we reported previously, Nexstar and The Hill partnered with Emerson College Polling earlier this month to poll 1,000 likely voters in Indiana who they would vote for in the governor's race. The following results were tabulated after participants were asked "If the gubernatorial election were held today, who would you vote for?:" Braun - 45.3% McCormick - 34.3% Libertarian candidate Donald Rainwater - 5.8% Undecided - 13.3% "With the voter's interest in mind, if unforeseen circumstances should occur leading up to a scheduled debate, or if there is a strong public interest rationale," the criteria reads, "Nexstar Media Inc. reserves the right to modify or change the criteria based on the best interests of the electorate." For a look at Nexstar's full debate criteria, look at the document below: Nexstar-Debate-CriteriaDownload How can I watch the debate? The one-hour debate will air at 7 p.m. on Oct. 2 live from the station's Indianapolis studios. FOX59 and CBS4 will carry the debate live on air and on their respective websites. The other following stations throughout the region will also carry the debate live at 7 p.m. EST/6 p.m. CST: WEHT in Evansville WTWO in Terre Haute WANE in Fort Wayne WDRB in Louisville, Kentucky WBND in South Bend WGN, a station based out of Chicago, will also stream the debate live on their website for northwest Indiana residents. How can I participate in the debate? As the debate approaches, Indiana residents are still able to submit questions for both participating candidates. If you have a question for either McCormick or Braun, click here and submit your question. A few questions from viewers will be featured during the live debate. According to the Indiana Secretary of State’s office, Hoosiers are able to register to vote for the 2024 General Election through Oct. 7. For more information on how Indiana residents are able to register to vote, click here.