Introduction: Covering elections is a juggling act

Chapter 1: Setting the stage
Planning is the first step toward successful election coverage.

Chapter 2: Campaigns: From beginning to end
Covering a campaign well requires balance and consistency.

Chapter 3: Interviewing candidates
Preparation is key to successful, information-packed Q&As.

Chapter 4:
Letters to the editor
Letters play a big part in elections. Establishing
guidelines forlength and content will make the letters page better.

Chapter 5: Donít shirk responsibilityof endorsements
Newspapers have an obligation to recommend candidates.

Chapter 6: Graphics
Charts, photos and other illustrations play a key role in effectiveelection coverage.

Chapter 7: Utilizing the Web
Use your newspaperís Web site to provide quick results and morein-depth information about elections.

hapter 8: Voter guides
A voter guide can be useful, but it shouldnít substitute for regularelection coverage.

Chapter 9: Profiling and evaluating judicial candidates
Judges play a large role in society, but their elections are notwell covered.

Chapter 10: Challenge of reporting school referendums
Do you dare endorse the ìNoî position on school referendums?

Chapter 11: Polls: Covering the horse race
Polls provide useful numbers, but donít fall in love with them.

Chapter 12: Be organized for electionday/night
By the time the election arrives, youíre exhausted! But donít let up.
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Chapter 13: Coverage doesnít end with election edition
The race is over, but there are still stories to tell.

Chapter 14:
Conduct a post-mortem onelections
Discussing what went wrong and right
with your coverage thistime will help you prepare for the next election.

Chapter 15: Explaining the policies
Youíll have fewer problems if candidates and readers know the rules.