The Tuesday, April 7, general election is just around the corner and many folks may want to submit letters to the editor regarding the campaign. The Great Bend Tribune appreciates the willingness of those running for office and those supporting the candidates to adhere to the newspaper’s letters to the editor policy.
We realize many of our readers are probably not regular written contributors to the Tribune. We also realize that it takes a big step to write a letter and submit it, knowing the writer’s name will be attached to their words.
With this in mind, we will work as best we can with someone wanting to submit a letter supporting a candidate. So, here are the basic rules again:
• Letters must be signed by the writer and they must be original works.
• A writer’s name and hometown will be printed with each letter.
• Letters must include a daytime phone number or email address in case we have questions about a submission.
• Letters should be no more than 600 words in length.
• While we welcome letters from those supporting a candidate, candidates themselves may not submit letters, even if they are writing about non-election matters.
• Letters can be submitted via U.S. Mail or by e-mail. Although, at this point, e-mail may be the better option.
One last thing that needs to be cleared up now – we will run no campaign letters after Friday, April 3, so letters must be received by early Thursday, April 2. No letters will be run on Sunday. So, those wanting to make a submission needs to do so as soon as they can. Letters will be published on a first-come-first-serve basis and as space permits.
We’ve had very few problems with readers not following these guidelines and anticipate this will continue. We thank you for the cooperation.
Also, if you want your voice heard, vote.
Dale Hogg