Editorial: election letters — no filters, no screens

A casual reader of The Recorder’s opinion pages in the weeks leading up to local, state and national elections could reasonably conclude that letters to the editor are subject to a partisan screening process that allows only one set of political views — namely, those supporting Democratic candidates — to pass through. 

Nothing could be further from the truth.

The Recorder accepts — in fact, we actively encourage — letters expressing viewpoints from across the political and ideological spectrum. That is consistent with our nonpartisan stance, which also informs every aspect of our news reporting. We hold no allegiance or loyalty to any particular party, political organization or slate of candidates. Accuracy, fairness and independence are our guiding journalistic principles. 

So, why do our letters pages look so lopsided during election season? The answer is simple and straightforward: We publish what we receive. The preponderance of letters submitted to The Recorder is pro-Democratic. To wit, since September we have received just one letter endorsing the Republican candidate for the local seat in Congress, Mike Lawler, compared with dozens for his opponent, Cait Conley. The same pattern held for state and local races, from state Senate and Assembly to Bedford town supervisor. 

Non-Democratic candidates in these races received thousands of votes, yet no more than a handful of those supporters chose to submit a letter voicing either their candidate preferences or views on the key issues at play. Why?

We’re somewhat at a loss for an explanation. (Maybe this would be a good topic for future letter writers.) Are people increasingly reluctant to publicly express views that might differ from those held by a majority? Do they refrain because they anticipate being subjected to a barrage of mean-spirited responses from those who disagree? Is the silence a casualty of a growing partisan divide in our community, which feels at times like it has become so great that people refuse to accept or even listen to views not shared by members of their own group? Is it rooted in a deeply held anti-press bias, perpetuated by right-leaning media and politicians?

The only screening we subject letters to is the set of published guidelines regarding length, tone and clarity, among others; political affiliation is never considered. You can read more about these guidelines in the standing column, “Join the conversation,” which appears on this page, and online at therecorder.org. 

The Recorder’s opinion pages are meant to be a forum for people to express their personal views regardless of political orientation, a place that fosters community dialogue about important local topics where people can converse with each other despite their differences.

By publishing letters and op-ed columns, and organizing public forums like next week’s program on affordable housing, we hope The Recorder is creating more opportunities for people to engage with one another in constructive ways that build and strengthen community.

Please do join the conversation and email letters to editor@therecorder.org.