This issue you’re reading is the last for election letters this season.

In our Nov. 4 issue, we will print only letters that do not raise new political issues and are direct rebuttals to previously published letters. No political endorsement letters will be printed in the Nov. 4 paper.

The editor makes the decision as to whether a letter is truly a rebuttal of false, misleading or libelous information.

Each election season, several writers attempt to submit letters they label “rebuttals.” Often, these letters don’t meet the newspaper’s criteria for a rebuttal. While we make every attempt to ensure letters do not contain false or libelous information, we set aside a “buffer” week, in essence, to have time to correct any blatant inaccuracies or potential libel before the election. We want to ensure fairness to all candidates as we lead up to the Nov. 7 general election.

Of course, each year, we also have letter writers who debate the validity of information in letters and attempt to have rebuttals published, when, in fact, their “rebuttal” is really an attempt to have the last word – to debate what actually was someone else’s opinion.

For instance, we can prove the military experience of a candidate by looking at his or her record. That’s fact. But no one can say with absolute certainty that the same candidate has, or doesn’t have, the best interests of soldiers in mind. That would depend upon an individual’s opinion.

To debate the candidate’s dedication to soldiers, in the Nov. 4 issue, would not be appropriate. To correct a fact, such as the length of time the candidate served in the Army, would. (The newspaper may require a writer to provide proof of factual information.)

As we approach Election Day, we hope everyone will play fair and abide by these rules. They exist to create a level playing field for all candidates.

To those of you who have written, we thank you for participating. To everyone, we ask you to vote on Nov. 7.

For more information about this policy, contact Editor Lori Carlson at (952) 345-6378 or editor@plamerican.com.