Chicago Sun-Times drops political endorsements

The Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board will no longer endorse candidates in an effort to show its commitment to nonpartisanship.

In an editorial on Monday, the newspaper says it has “come to doubt the value” of candidate endorsements when voters have access to many information sources. The Sun-Times says it will continue to post candidate questionnaires online, interview candidates in person and post videos online and post assessments from respected civic and professional groups. It also will continue side-by-side comparisons of candidates’ views.

The editorial says research suggests editorial endorsements “don’t change many votes, especially in higher-profile races.” Instead, the editorial says newspaper endorsements of candidates “promote the perception of a hidden bias by a newspaper.”

The newspaper’s senior management also will be banned from making political contributions.