It seems like the 2009 primary election wasn't all that long ago, but October is suddenly upon us, and that means the fall general election is now only a month away, set for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
While several key races were more or less decided by the voters in May, a number of local, county and state offices are still contested. Some area residents also have chosen to seek public office via write-in campaigns. As always, The Sentinel urges all Juniata Valley residents who are eligible to vote to exercise their civic responsibility by casting ballots in the upcoming election.
I also encourage area residents to take advantage of the opportunity to submit election-based letters to the editor and Open Line comments to The Sentinel. With that said, I also would like to offer some guidelines to our readership regarding these letters and Open Line comments.
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Frank Yost
First, the deadlines for election-based letters and Open Line comments regarding the Nov. 3, 2009, general election are as follows:
Second, I'd like to offer some clarification on what The Sentinel views as appropriate content for election-based letters and comments.
Letters and comments from the general public supporting a particular candidate or expressing an opinion on a significant election-related issue will be considered for publication. Any letter or comment containing personal attacks or unfounded accusations against a candidate will not be published; The Sentinel reserves the right to determine what constitutes a personal attack or unfounded accusation.
Regarding rebuttal letters and comments: These should be limited to readers presenting a different or opposing point of view on an election-related issue previously addressed by an election letter or comment published in The Sentinel. Rebuttals are not intended to be a means by which an individual can simply criticize one candidate and then express their support for another - rebuttals are to focus on the issues, not the candidates.
Again, The Sentinel reserves the right to determine what constitutes an appropriate rebuttal letter or comment.
Letters- preferably typed - must include the author's name and address as well as a telephone number for clarification and confirmation purposes. Telephone numbers are not printed, unless requested by the letter's author.
The suggested length for letters is 250 words. This limit may be waived, space permitting. The letter writer must live within The Sentinel's coverage area, read the newspaper online or have a local connection that is identified as part of the letter.
Submit letters one of the following ways:
Questions regarding these guidelines should be directed to me via e-mail at fjost@lewistownsentinel.com, or by phone at 248-6741, ext. 119.
