The Herald-Leader editorial board has begun meeting with candidates in the May 16 primary to aid in our endorsement decisions. Endorsements are a long tradition in newspapering that we believe enhances interest and participation in the civic process. The newspaper has unusual access to candidates and their backgrounds, and we believe part of the newspaper’s responsibility as a community institution is to help citizens sort through campaign issues and rhetoric.
A Herald-Leader endorsement represents the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board, which has eight members. It has no bearing on how news reporters cover the races, or how editors make news decisions.
The editorial page also publishes letters, of no more than 150 words, from readers who support particular candidates. Letters from candidates’ family members and campaign staffers are not published. Neither are form letters. (For other letters to the editor policies, click here. To send a letter, click here.)
Candidates who took time to meet with the editorial board but did not get our endorsement are allowed space in the paper to explain why they should be elected.
Vanessa Gallman
Editorial Page Editor
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