In the last issue of the paper, we published a free, half-page ad for Democracy in the Park, an outdoor absentee ballot drop-off event held at over 200 parks across Madison on two Saturdays this fall, hosted and coordinated by the City Clerk’s Office. In this issue, we’re printing a small but heartfelt thank you to the Clerk’s Office, poll workers, organizers and all of the many people who have dedicated their time and attention to helping our democracy function. The health of our democracy depends on the voices and on the power of the people — at the ballot box, and beyond.

The Northside News is unique as a publication because it is mailed directly to Northside homes for free. We take that responsibility seriously. We work to ensure that information within this paper answers questions you might have — about voting, yes, and local topics on the ballot, but also about the day-to-day issues that arise between elections.

We have a robust and growing writers team. But the bulk of our content is still submitted by community members. We strive to publish a diversity of voices, experiences and perspectives in each edition, centering those most impacted by the issues at hand.

Election day is over, but the work of democracy continues. I hope you will consider the Northside News as one more, small way to have your voice heard.