Letters of support for candidates — our policy

Our country’s foundation is based on the Constitution of the United States. We all too often take the document for granted as we exercise our rights as citizens in this free country. During the campaign season, we tend to raise our voices more than ever, and sometimes the importance of our message becomes lost in the manner in which we deliver it.

Our democracy is sacred. Its preservation should be paramount to all of us regardless of age, race, political views or any other stereotypical measuring stick that can be applied in the description of any individual.

When we act, under the freedoms granted to us by the Constitution, our behavior should reflect our respect for the document that provided us such liberties.

Voters will soon exercise their constitutional right when the general election arrives and the ballots ask them to select leaders for a number of local government positions. Meanwhile many will utilize their right of free speech to endorse or oppose candidates in specific races. This is an unalienable right that we hope everyone will use carefully.

The growing collection of candidate signs in our communities is a direct reflection of how important this general election will be in the region.

The pages of The Journal will always include room for Letters to the Editor. This newspaper is a venue for free speech. We operate independently of government and function as an outlet for you to be heard. Readers can and are encouraged to voice their opinions, raise concerns, challenge decisions, oppose government actions and even offer praise. We can all use a little positive reinforcement.

The volume of letters increases when an issue has inflamed a segment of the community. Rightfully so. When things are peaceful and running smoothly in the village, there are no reasons for village uprisings.

Authors of these election season letters typically use the forum as a way to voice their support for a candidate, oppose a referendum or challenge the statements of a candidate. These are all good reasons to write a letter.

To be fair, we want to clarify guidelines regarding Letters to the Editor. Since the newspaper is published just once a week, the ability for readers to provide rebuttals to candidate endorsements or a reader’s specific reason for supporting or opposing an issue is hindered a bit.

The Journal will accept and publish Letters to the Editor about candidates and issues appearing on the November General Election Ballot through Thursday, Oct. 20.

We will not publish election related letters on Oct. 27 or Nov. 3, the two editions that will be published just prior to the general election date of Nov. 8. To be fair to everyone, we feel it’s best to establish a cutoff date.

We ask that you keep your letters to 500 words or less. There are times when letters greatly exceed that limit. We publish them when space is available. However there is no guarantee we can publish excessively long letters every week. Letter writers will have one chance to endorse a specific candidate or issue. Repeated letters from the same writer about the same candidate will not be published. If there is a large volume of letters, the frequent letter writers will go to the bottom of the priority list in order to ensure new voices are heard.

Your letters must be signed and include a phone number or a way to contact you to verify that you are in fact the original author of the letter.

No anonymous letters will be accepted. Ever.

If you feel strongly about the position you are taking, then you need to be willing to take credit and responsibility for your statements.

One last rule of thumb. Assaultive name-calling and abusive content will not be published.

Please remain civil while passionately standing up for what you believe in.