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When we announced the start of our paid political letters policy for the year at the end of May, we decided to try out something a little different this year.

For one week this election season, to make sure no one is prevented an opportunity to submit a letter because of hardship, we are offering the chance to submit political letters free of charge.

This is your chance to share your opinions about the local, state and national elections or about the issues that are important to each party and the state or country as a whole.

Letters submitted through Sunday will be included in the free letters policy, and then on Monday we will resume the paid political letters policy as we wind down to Election Day.

Keep in mind political letters have the same length requirements as regular letters to the editor. They can be no more than 500 words and must include the name, address and phone number of the person who submitted the letter. The phone number and address will not be printed but will be used for verification purposes only.

It is important to remember there are also limits to what can be said in letters. Letters can not be accusatory of others by claiming criminal activity for example, nor can they be in bad taste. This is an important rule in that it shields both the newspaper and the letter writer from the possibility of being sued for defamation.

All political endorsement letters prior to the general election on Nov. 5 will need to be submitted by Oct. 28. The last edition letters will be published in before the general election is Oct. 30.