APCO's Role in Elections
Informing Democracy
Our mission during elections is to provide voters with the accurate, fair, and comprehensive information they need to participate in the democratic process.
Our Election Coverage Principles
Elections are pivotal moments for any democracy. At APCO News, we recognize our special responsibility to provide coverage that enables voters to make informed decisions about the future of their communities, states, and nations.
All of our core journalistic values guide our election coverage, with particular emphasis on independence, fairness, accuracy, and transparency. Beyond these foundational values, we adhere to specific principles for election reporting.
How We Cover Elections
Focus on Issues and Policy
We prioritize coverage of substantive policy issues that affect voters' lives. Our reporting examines candidates' positions on key issues, their voting records, and their proposed solutions to challenges facing the electorate.
We go beyond campaign rhetoric to analyze the feasibility, potential impact, and implications of policy proposals. Our goal is to help voters understand not just what candidates promise, but what those promises might mean in practice.
Fact-Checking and Accountability
We hold candidates accountable for the accuracy of their statements and the consistency of their positions. Our dedicated fact-checking initiatives evaluate claims made in:
- Campaign speeches and rallies
- Political advertisements
- Debates and forums
- Interviews and press conferences
- Campaign materials and websites
When we identify inaccuracies, we provide corrections clearly and promptly, explaining the factual basis for our conclusions and giving candidates opportunity to respond.
Equal Treatment of Candidates
We strive to provide fair and equivalent coverage to all major candidates in an election. This includes:
- Giving comparable opportunities for candidates to express their views
- Applying the same level of scrutiny to all candidates' statements and records
- Reporting on campaign developments based on news value, not personal preference
- Featuring diverse political perspectives in our analysis and commentary
We recognize that minor or third-party candidates may receive proportionally less coverage based on factors such as polling, fundraising, or ballot access, but we still aim to ensure their positions are represented.
Voter Information and Access
We are committed to providing practical information that helps citizens participate in elections, including:
- Voter registration requirements and deadlines
- Polling locations and hours
- Mail-in and early voting procedures
- Voter ID requirements
- Resources for addressing voting problems
We report on issues affecting voter access and election administration, highlighting both successes and challenges in the electoral process.
Election Results and Analysis
Results Reporting
We are committed to accurate, careful reporting of election results. Our principles include:
- Reporting results only from official sources or our own verified vote counts
- Clearly distinguishing between preliminary and final results
- Explaining the vote counting process and why results may change over time
- Being transparent about our methodology for projecting winners
- Exercising caution in close races
We prioritize accuracy over speed, recognizing that the democratic process often takes time to produce definitive results.
Post-Election Analysis
After elections, we provide thoughtful analysis that helps audiences understand:
- Key factors that influenced election outcomes
- Demographic and geographic voting patterns
- Implications for policy and governance
- Historical context for the results
- Potential impact on future elections
We feature diverse perspectives in our post-election coverage, including voices from different political backgrounds, independent analysts, and affected communities.
Coverage of Election Integrity
We recognize the critical importance of election integrity to democratic systems. Our reporting on this topic is guided by several key principles:
- We report on substantiated concerns about election administration, voting systems, or ballot counting
- We investigate credible allegations of irregularities while avoiding amplification of unsubstantiated claims
- We provide context about the rarity of certain types of election fraud and the safeguards in place to prevent them
- We explain the legal processes for contesting election results and resolving disputes
- We consult diverse experts, including election officials, academics, and legal authorities
We're committed to building public confidence in electoral systems through accurate, contextualized reporting that neither dismisses legitimate concerns nor promotes unfounded allegations.
Editorial Independence
APCO News maintains strict editorial independence from all political parties and candidates. We do not:
- Endorse candidates for political office
- Contribute to political campaigns
- Coordinate coverage with political parties or campaigns
- Allow advertising relationships to influence our reporting
Our journalists are expected to remain politically neutral in their professional roles and to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. We have clear policies limiting our staff's political activities to ensure our coverage remains fair and unbiased.
Our Commitment to Voters
We believe informed citizens are essential to a functioning democracy. Through our election coverage, we strive to provide the information voters need to understand their choices, evaluate candidates, and participate meaningfully in the democratic process.