In democratic societies, elections cause ideological divisions. Candidates and their supporters disagree on the issues. But the differences should remain within the realm of ideas without turning personal. 

Unfortunately, this election season at the level stage has been unlike any other. Presidential candidates have reverted to undignified verbal assaults and smears that lack civility and respect. 

This trend has trickled down to the local level. In Dearborn, the race for 19th District judge is starting to get out of hand, jeopardizing the Arab American community’s unity and well-being.

In an editorial published last week, we raised legitimate factual concerns about a controversy surrounding one of the candidates for Dearborn judge. The response was hateful comments, insults and libelous abuse that did not even spare our publisher’s family.

Meanwhile candidates have remained silent to their supporters’ abuse of our newspaper. Let us not forget that The Arab American News has played a leading role in the political empowerment of Arab Americans, which paved the way of many local politicians to assume leadership positions. 

Leadership requires standing up and condemning those who attack others in the name of your campaign.

It is okay to disagree. Our job is to call out local politicians, even (especially) if they are Arab American. Favoring one candidate over the other is not a sin. It is simply a democratic choice. 

Like any newspaper, we endorse certain candidates whom we find the most qualified in local, statewide and national elections. But our reporting remains fair and unbiased. 

Our pages have been and will always be open to all viewpoints that meet out publishing standards. We have repeatedly invited and published op-eds and letters to the editor that criticize our editorial positions. 

We accept criticism and welcome dissent. It is natural that not everyone in the community agrees with us on certain issues.

However, diversity of thought should not lead to animosity. There is a clear line that separates criticism from name-calling, ad hominem attacks and baseless accusations. 

This line has been crossed repeatedly and deliberately over this past week. 

The slurs will not deter us from pursuing our mission — to tell the stories of the community and amplify its voice, celebrate its successes and point out its shortcomings.

Many may disagree with Sen. Bernie Sanders’ endorsement of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, whom he called unqualified a few months ago. But let that be an example of the democratic spirit, where disagreements should remain in the world of politics and not turn friends into enemies. 

At the end of the day, all Arab Americans, regardless of whom they vote for have the same aspirations of liberty and pursuit of happiness. 

Arab Americans’ have made massive political, economic and cultural strides over the past decades. The community cannot risk its accomplishments over a local electoral race. Life will continue after the elections. Safeguarding the collective achievements of the community requires recognizing the bonds that bring us together. Arab Americans are tied by connections that should remain stronger than politics. 

We call on our readers to refrain from turning electoral politics into personal disputes.