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Q. I know that journalists aren't supposed to leave a record of political bias, make campaign contributions, display campaign bumper stickers, etc., particularly if they're covering politics, but voting is OK, it seems.

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But what about voting in a primary, which requires you to register as a member of the party?

Thanks,

KJS

A. Ethical dilemmas seldom have black and white answers. For journalists, the question of political involvement has its roots in providing independent and impartial coverage and analysis. How can you do that if you want one side to win? The conflict arises because we are also citizens with a responsibility to participate in the government. How can we do that if we don't vote?

At one extreme is The Washington Post's executive editor, Len Downie, who told PBS' Frontline, "I stopped voting in 1984 because I wanted to be completely nonpartisan and non-ideological as the final gatekeeper of what goes in The Washington Post. ..."

Joe Grimm

And we know what the other extreme looks like.

Most media outlets allow voting but discourage activism, campaigning and the like. The effects of a journalist's decision to become politically active are not limited to the individual. Some people may interpret them as a manifestation of what the media outlet thinks and how it covers the news. That is trouble.

Personally, I vote. I would be embarrassed if a check of voting records showed that I never went to the polls. But do not contribute money to political candidates or causes and I do not put placards in front of my home or on my car. Voting in primaries where you are required to register for a party is over the llne for many journalists and they abstain, sometimes with regret, because they do not want to make a public declaration of a party affiliation.

We have to recognize that it is probably impossible to remain entirely neutral on all issues and that keeping our opinions to ourselves is, in itself, a disservice. In a few cases, journalists will disclose their feelings so that readers and viewers will know where they are coming from and can interpret the coverage with the benefit of that information.

Before you make your decision, talk the issue out thoroughly with your editors, who may well have policies about political activity.

Where's the line? How far do you think journalists can go politically and preserve their independence? Click on Add Your Comments.

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Coming Friday: This experienced features editor needs to return to his home region but is frustrated that he can't even seem to get to square one with the editors.

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