Letter: Gazette should endorse candidates earlier

In Sunday's Gazette (Oct. 9), it was announced that the paper will be endorsing political candidates over the next several weeks. That will take us right up to Election Day. I think the newspaper needs to get with the times. Many of my friends have already voted, as I know thousands more have in Eastern Iowa and certainly thousands more will vote over the next several weeks. I suggest you consider, in the future, making a decision about endorsements and publishing them before the beginning of early voting.

Jim Davis

North Liberty

Editor's note: Early voting makes scheduling our endorsements a complex issue. We want to be a resource for early voters, but also for undecided voters who are much more likely to be paying attention closer to Election Day. In addition, much important information only becomes available after early voting begins, including candidate forums, questionnaire responses and our own editorial meetings with candidates - a time consuming but critical part of our endorsement process. - Jennifer Hemmingsen, Opinion Editor