Table of Contents, Votes and Quotes

Introduction: Covering elections is a juggling act

Chapter 1: Setting the stage
Planning is the first step toward successful election coverage.

Chapter 2: Campaigns: From beginning to end
Covering a campaign well requires balance and consistency.

Chapter 3: Interviewing candidates
Preparation is key to successful, information-packed Q&As.

Chapter 4:
Letters to the editor
Letters play a big part in elections. Establishing guidelines for length and content will make the letters page better.

Chapter 5: Don’t shirk responsibilityof endorsements
Newspapers have an obligation to recommend candidates.

Chapter 6: Graphics
Charts, photos and other illustrations play a key role in effective election coverage.

Chapter 7: Utilizing the Web
Use your newspaper’s Web site to provide quick results and more in-depth information about elections.

Chapter 8: Voter guides
A voter guide can be useful, but it shouldnít substitute for regular election coverage.

Chapter 9: Profiling and evaluating judicial candidates
Judges play a large role in society, but their elections are not well covered.

Chapter 10: Challenge of reporting school referendums
Do you dare endorse the “No” position on school referendums?

Chapter 11: Polls: Covering the horse race
Polls provide useful numbers, but don’t fall in love with them.

Chapter 12: Be organized for election day/night
By the time the election arrives, you’re exhausted! But don’t let up.

Chapter 13: Coverage doesn’t end with election edition
The race is over, but there are still stories to tell.

Chapter 14:
Conduct a post-mortem on elections
Discussing what went wrong and right with your coverage this time will help you prepare for the next election.

Chapter 15: Explaining the policies
You’ll have fewer problems if candidates and readers know the rules.