A debate regarding the political divide between Chicago and the downstate region of Illinois will take place at 6:30 p.m. today in the Effingham Room of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Artie Berns, a student supreme court justice, will moderate.

He said he hopes discussion at the event will provide solutions to assist future political leaders who hail from downstate in executing practical decisions.

“Hopefully, it will leave Eastern with solutions, not arguments,” Berns said.

The debate will have perspectives from both sides of the political spectrum, including speakers from across the state.

While planning for the event, Berns considered the importance of providing viewpoints from a balanced panel and of inviting an equal number of speakers from the northern and southern regions of the state.

Erica Whelan can be reached at 581-7942 or [email protected].