On January 10, 2025, ballots from 30 states, the National Speech and Debate Association, the National Catholic Forensic League, National Association for Urban Debate Leagues and the National Debate Coaches Association were received and tabulated for the 2025-26 National High School Policy Debate Topic. “Arctic” was selected over “Military Presence” by a vote of 21-13.

In October, five topic areas, which also included “India,” “Nation State Recognition” and “South Asia,” were narrowed to two as part of a two-stage balloting process. Use of the second ballot assures a majority of coaches across the nation favor the chosen topic area and resolution.

The 2025 Policy Debate Topic Selection Meeting will be held in Austin, Texas from July 31-August 3. Specific information regarding lodging, travel arrangements and daily schedules will be sent to your office at a later date. Details about current year updates, topic information and the 2025 Topic Selection Meeting will be posted here: https://nfhs.org/articles/2025-policy-debate-topic-selection-meeting/

HOW THEY VOTED FOR 2025-26:

National Policy Debate Topic Area Balloting:

21           ARCTIC

Resolved: The United States federal government should significantly increase its exploration and/or development of the Arctic.

13           MILITARY PRESENCE

Resolved: The United States federal government should significantly reduce its military presence in one or more of the following: Bahrain, Japan, Kuwait, South Korea.

• Read the full Press Release
• See how we got to 2 topics
• See how we got to 5 topics
• Purchase a Policy Debate Quarterly on Intellectual Property Rights (Debated in 2024-2025)
• Check out FREE resources on the Intellectual Property Rights Topic (Debated in 2024-2025)
• Visit the NFHS Speech, Debate, Theatre Page