From the Newsroom: How we do our part to help voters

Our coverage of elections and issues comes from two directions.

First, we are writing news stories based on interviews with the candidates. These stories explore each candidate’s background and positions on the issues. There are also stories about fundraising, polls and other topics related to candidates and campaigns. These news stories are written by our reporters (usually Calley Hair, who covers politics, city and state government) and edited by the metro desk.

Deciding on endorsements

We are also busy on the editorial page. The editorial board has conducted 14 interviews with candidates for state and local public office since the August primary, and three more interviews are set for next week.

We use the information to make endorsements, in an effort to give you, our reader, the benefit of an informed opinion. Do with it as you wish!

Candidate interviews are conducted by the editorial board, which consists of Editorial Page Editor Greg Jayne, three members of the Campbell family and myself.

We try to interview both candidates together so they can react to what their opponent is saying. The interviews are all “on the record,” and a reporter, usually Calley, often sits in to report on the meeting. Afterward, the board meets privately to arrive at a consensus — but not always unanimous — opinion.

All of the interviews are recorded and presented on our elections page and YouTube channel. Because we try to keep the news and opinion separated, we present our endorsements on a different page, columbian.com/news/opinion/endorsements.

By the way, we won’t be making an endorsement in this year’s presidential race. We don’t have any special insight into Trump or Biden, and neither candidate is emphasizing issues specific to our region. Although we have made endorsements in this race in the past, including in 2016, I don’t see why our view would be any more informed than others you can find out there.

Although some of our critics claim we only endorse Democrats, that’s not true. We’ve endorsed at least six Republicans, with more endorsements to come.

It does appear, however, that we are fond of incumbents. So far we’ve endorsed at least 11 incumbents, compared with only two challengers. I think there is a little of the old saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” at work here, along with the fact that most of our elected officials are honest and try hard to do a good job.

What this really gets down to is providing information so that voters and make an informed decision when they cast their ballots. By talking to candidates and doing some basic research, we do some of that work for you, the voter, so that you can make your own informed decision.