Letters about candidates

For years, the Southeast Missourian has had guidelines for letters that encouraged readers to submit their opinions on topics of general interest. Those guidelines discouraged letters about candidates for public office. A new policy, effective immediately, gives letter writers an option for expressing their opinions about candidates.

The new guidelines create a new category of letter called the Paid Election Letter. For a flat fee of $25, writers may endorse or oppose candidates -- in up to 150 words. Longer Paid Election Letters will be considered, but each additional word over the 150 limit will cost 50 cents.

Letters about ballot issues will continue to be treated as letters of general public interest. As with all letters to the editor, each letter to be considered for publication must be signed and include the address of the writer and a daytime telephone number.

Paid Election Letters from or paid for by campaign organizations must also comply with applicable state and federal election laws.

All Paid Election Letters as well as letters regarding ballot issues must be received by 5 p.m. Tuesday a week before an election.

Why the change in policy?

Every election cycle results in the submission of letters regarding local, state and federal candidates. Because of the tone of too many of these letters, the Southeast Missourian has adhered to its policy of not publishing any such letters rather than picking and choosing some.

The Paid Election Letter option gives those who want to express their opinion an outlet. By attaching a fee to these letters, it is hoped writers will use their 150 words well to express their views.

As will all letters (and all other content in the Southeast Missourian), letters that contain libelous or patently false information will not be published.

It is to be hoped that readers of the Southeast Missourian who want to write letters about candidates will see this policy change as an opportunity to contribute to the process of making good choices when marking ballots for key leadership positions.

The Southeast Missourian looks forward to the frank and heartfelt expressions of opinions regarding political candidates, particularly in this election year that will include city, school, state and federal races.

Please share your thoughts on this or any other topics in letters to the editor. This exchange of ideas is fundamental to our democratic society.