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Content Guidelines For Opinion Articles

Opinion articles submitted to Bama Politics must be exclusive to our website. Do not submit articles that have been published elsewhere, and do not republish your Bama Politics article on another website or platform after it goes live. This ensures our readers get
original content and helps the article perform well in search.

Use of AI Tools

AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, etc.) may be used for grammar checking, proofreading, and light editing. However, the ideas, arguments, and voice of the article must be your own. Articles that are substantially AI-generated will not be published. We reserve the
right to screen submissions for AI-generated content.

Accuracy and Sourcing

  • Verify your claims. If you reference a bill, vote, policy, or statement, make sure it’s accurate. Link to the source when possible.
  • Distinguish fact from opinion. Clearly signal when you’re stating a fact versus offering your interpretation.
  • Correct the record. If an error is discovered after publication, we will issue a correction. Writers are expected to cooperate with this process.

Tone and Standards

  • Make your argument. Disagree with ideas, not people’s character.
  • Avoid personal attacks, slurs, threats, or language that targets individuals or groups based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics.
  • Profanity should be avoided but is not outright banned. If quoting someone, use discretion.
  • Articles that could expose Bama Politics to legal liability (defamation, unsubstantiated allegations of criminal conduct, etc.) may not be published.

Article Length

  • Aim for 600 to 1,500 words. Shorter pieces are fine if the point is well-made. Longer pieces should justify their length with depth of analysis.

Image Guidelines

All images used in your article must meet one of the following criteria:

  1. You own the image — You took the photo or created the graphic yourself.
  2. You have written authorization — You have permission from the copyright holder. You must provide proof (screenshot of email, written agreement, etc.).
  3. Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license — The image is in the public domain. Include a link to the source proving the CC0 license (e.g., from Unsplash, Pexels, Pixabay, or Wikimedia Commons).
  4. AI-generated images — AI-generated images are allowed. You must disclose that the image is AI-generated and provide proof of generation (screenshot of the tool/prompt used). Do not use images from Google Image Search, social media, or news sites without explicit permission. “I found it online” is not sufficient. When uploading, add a caption or credit line where appropriate (e.g., “Photo by John Smith” or “Image generated with DALL-E”).

Linking Best Practices

Links to other websites, sources, and references are encouraged. When adding links:

  • Anchor links in relevant text. For example, write “the proposed education bill” — not “https://example.com/alabama-legislature/bills/2026/hb123.”
  • Link to primary sources (official government sites, court documents, the bill text) over secondary sources when possible.
  • Do not use affiliate links.
  • Check that links work before submitting your draft.

Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

By submitting an article to Bama Politics, you agree to the following:

  • The work is your own and does not plagiarize any other source.
  • You have the rights to any images or media included in the article.
  • You understand that Bama Politics reserves the right to edit your article for clarity, length, grammar, and legal compliance.
  • You understand that Bama Politics reserves the right to decline or remove any article at its discretion.
  • You grant Bama Politics a non-exclusive, perpetual license to publish the article on our website and social media channels.
  • Opinion articles reflect the views of the author, not Bama Politics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a paid opportunity?
Currently, opinion writing for Bama Politics is on a volunteer basis. Writers receive a byline, author bio, and a platform to share their views with an engaged audience of Alabama political readers.

How long does the review process take?
We aim to review submissions within a few business days. We also target publication at times where we believe you will get the most exposure. You’ll receive an email when your article is published or if revisions are needed.

Can I write about national politics?
Only if there is a clear and direct connection to Alabama. Our audience comes to Bama Politics for Alabama-focused content.

Can I write a series of articles?
Yes. If you’d like to write on a recurring basis or develop a series, let us know and we can discuss.

What if I want to update or retract my article after publication?
Contact us at [email protected]. We can add editor’s notes, corrections, or remove the article if warranted.

Ready to Write?

If you’d like to become an opinion contributor, send an email to [email protected] with:

  1. Your name (or preferred pen name)
  2. A brief bio (2-3 sentences)
  3. A headshot (optional but encouraged)
  4. A short pitch or topic idea for your first article We look forward to hearing from you.