In order to remain as fair and balanced as possible, Leader Publications has outlined a policy all candidates must adhere to.

 

LETTERS AND COLUMNS

• No candidate running for office will be allowed to write guest columns or letters 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 (July 12 for primary, Oct. 18 for November election) and we will cease publishing them at least one week prior (July 26 for primary, Nov. 1 for Nov. election).
• 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.
  • Letters must be no more than 300 words.
  • Letters may only have one author.
  • City of residence and a contact phone number must be included in all letter submissions for verification purposes.
• All letters must be submitted by the author directly.
• Letters can be submitted to news@leaderpub.com, or 217 N. Fourth St., Niles, MI 49120.

 

NEWS COVERAGE

• The Leader Publications news team will do at least one 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.
• Due to the amount of open seats in the 2016 election, Leader Publications will not publish individual announcement stories. Following the file deadline, a list of candidates was published in the newspapers.
• If you have any questions regarding election coverage, contact Ambrosia Neldon, managing editor, at ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com or (269) 687-7713.

 

ADVERTISING

• All political ads must be approved by publisher Michael Caldwell and may require substantiation of claims.
  • All ads that challenge or target an opponent will be cut off at least one week prior (Oct. 18 for primary) to the election after a targeted candidate has the chance to respond if they so choose.
• All ads must include who they are paid for by (i.e. the committee to elect…”)
• All campaign ads must be pre-paid in full before publication.