Our View: Get those election letters ready

Yes, it's still only August.

No, the Minnesota State Fair hasn't happened and you just missed it. (Don't worry. Still plenty of time to plan for everything-on-a-stick.)

And no, there are no presidential, congressional, U.S. Senate, gubernatorial, or even statewide legislative races this year in Minnesota. (Sweet relief.)

But here in Duluth, it's election season nonetheless.

While you were enjoying your summer, candidates for Duluth City Council and Duluth School Board were declaring and knocking on doors and polishing their vote-for-me pitches and working hard toward Primary Day on Sept. 12 (remarkably, just about a month away) and the general election on Nov. 7.

There are eight seats open in all in Duluth this fall. For School Board, races are in eastern District 1, western District 4, and for two citywide At Large positions. The At Large race has a primary. For City Council, there are races in eastern District 2, western District 4, and for two citywide At Large seats. District 4 and At Large have primaries.

How deep are we into this election season already? The first columns from our local candidates and incumbents are scheduled to be published on tomorrow's Opinion page. Also, the News Tribune Editorial Board already has begun screening and interviewing candidates. And the first letters to the editor about the election have been published.

Anticipating there'll be many more such letters, here are some reminders about guidelines.

Keep them civil.

Make sure they're accurate.

While other letters to the editor are limited to 300 words, letters of support or opposition about specific candidates are limited to 200 words. The shorter length helps to assure space for the high volume of election letters typically received.

And only the candidates, or their campaigns, will be allowed to write something longer than a letter to the editor, one ahead of Primary Day and another before Election Day. All the candidates with primary races already have been invited to contribute.

Eligible voters have a civic duty and a responsibility to their neighbors and community to not only cast ballots for elected positions in every election but to make sure they're informed before submitting their votes. We're choosing the people who'll lead our community, for better or worse, after all.

The News Tribune and its Opinion pages are here to help with information and opinions and by providing space for a healthy exchange of views about candidates and issues. The more of us who contribute, the livelier, more informative, more provocative, and valuable that exchange will be for all. Be part of it by sending a letter to letters@duluthnews.com .

Then, just as importantly, read what others are saying and be informed before Primary Day and Election Day.

No, there are no races for governor or president or Congress this year. But in many ways, local City Council and School Board races are as critical, if not more critical, to our future and direction.

We still have time to choose wisely - though not as much time as many of us may have thought.