These are the rules our newsroom holds itself to. They exist so readers know what to expect from us — and so our reporters and editors have a clear standard to point to when pressure runs the other way.
Accuracy
Every fact in a news story is verified before publication. If we report something we cannot independently confirm, we say so plainly — attributing the claim, naming the source, and explaining what we don’t yet know. We don’t publish rumors as fact.
Corrections
When we get something wrong, we fix it visibly. Corrections appear at the bottom of the article with the date, what was wrong, and what is now correct. We don’t silently edit published stories to remove errors.
Sources
We prefer named, on-the-record sources. We use anonymous sources only when the information is in the public interest, when it cannot be obtained on the record, and when the source is in a position to know. When we grant anonymity, we tell readers why in the piece.
Polling and data
We publish methodology alongside results. Sample sizes, margins of error, field dates, and pollsters are disclosed. We don’t aggregate polls without explaining how the aggregation works. When numbers conflict, we say so.
Independence
Reporters and editors do not donate to campaigns, parties, or political action committees. Staff do not display political signs, attend partisan rallies as participants, or volunteer for campaigns. We disclose any conflicts that cannot be avoided.
Advertising firewall
Editorial and advertising operate independently. Advertisers — including political advertisers — cannot kill stories, change coverage, or guarantee favorable treatment. Editors are not told which advertisers are unhappy with coverage.
Endorsements
Election News Desk does not endorse candidates, parties, or ballot measures. Opinion writers may take positions in clearly labeled opinion pieces; those positions are the writer’s, not the publication’s.
Plagiarism and fabrication
Both are fireable offenses. Reporters credit other outlets’ original reporting when building on it. Quotes are not invented, composited, or moved between speakers.
Reader feedback
If you believe we’ve fallen short of these standards, write to corrections@electionnewsdesk.com. We read every message.