As I wrote earlier this summer, it has been encouraging in the last year to see more and more people throw their hats into the ring to participate in local government.

While many of the state and county races were whittled down in the primary, many city, school and village races are contested in the November primary for the first time this election cycle.

As such, Leader Publications will publish a second Voters’ Guide this October to give voters the opportunity to get to know the men and women running for political office in their municipalities.

Of course, our news staff continues to be committed to facilitating the conversation between voters and candidates, and we want to make your voices heard.

As we all know, elections can become contentious, and when passionate individuals put their heart into an issue, emotions can run high. As such, Leader Publications’ news products and website have clear guidelines outlining what may and may not be published during election cycles.

Voters may share their thoughts on candidates, as outlined in our campaign policy:

• No candidate running for office will be allowed to write guest columns or letter to the editor after the filing deadline. This includes incumbents who are regular contributors to the newspaper.

• Letters from supporters or endorsing a candidate must be received at least three weeks prior to an election (Oct. 16) and we will cease publishing them at least one week prior (Oct. 30).

• Submissions that are easily proven to be form letters instead of the author’s own words will not be printed. Leader Publications reserves the right to reject any letter that does not meet standard guidelines for submissions.

• All political ads must be approved by general manager Ambrosia Neldon and may require substantiation of claims. All ads that challenge or target an opponent will be cut off at least one week prior (October 30) to the election after a targeted candidate has the chance to respond if they so choose.

• Leader Publications’ news coverage will be consistent. We will do a race preview prior to the election and provide news coverage of the results. Campaign stops, public events and candidate forums will be evaluated on their news impact to the public. The newspaper will not cover private or party fundraisers.

We encourage voters to take part in the conversation, either by publicly stating your questions and endorsements through letters to the editor, or interacting with the candidates directly.

Here’s to a fair and balanced election this November.

Ambrosia Neldon is the general manager at Leader Publications. She can be reached by phone at (269) 687-7700 or by email at ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com