Jul 18, 2016 2 min read

With the Republican National Convention happening this week in Cleveland, and the Democrats due to convene next Monday in Philadelphia, the presidential election season is about to swing into high gear. If the past is any guide, we’ll be receiving a good many letters to the editor in the weeks ahead. Nothing quite stirs passions like the choice of a commander in chief, and, as we have seen, both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are uniquely able to agitate partisans on both sides of the political divide.

We welcome letters on the election, or any other topic of local, regional, national or international interest. By writing a letter, you are contributing the dialogue that helps move our communities and our democracy forward. That being said, we want to emphasize some of the ground rules when it comes to submitting letters.

First, the letters we receive are subject to editing for, among other things, length, clarity, grammar and spelling. Keeping letters concise is always best. And do your best to stay on topic – letters that ramble from subject to subject will either be severely edited or rejected.

The letters to the editor column is also not a forum to thank individuals for acts of kindness. If someone returned a wallet to you, paid for your coffee, mowed your grass or took good care of you when you were ill, thank them in person or with a note. They will appreciate it greatly. By the same token, a letter to the editor is also not a way to complain about problems with a local business or settle personal scores. Also, letters should be directed to the editor, not to individuals or the community at large.

Above all, we ask for your civility. Show respect to other letter writers, leave aside personal attacks, don’t use profanity, and don’t make accusations that are slanderous or libelous.

We also ask that your letters include your mailing address and phone number.

They can be sent to 122 S. Main St., Washington, PA 15301, or online to orletters@observer-reporter.com.