Corrections Policy

Readers should be able to tell when we corrected a fact, clarified a point, or materially updated a page.

What Qualifies As A Correction

A factual error in a date, name, quote, vote count, legal status, or agency action.
A mischaracterization of what a source document says.
A headline, caption, or summary that materially overstates certainty.

What Qualifies As A Clarification

We use clarifications when the published wording was incomplete, ambiguous, or easy to misread, even if it was not strictly false. Clarifications improve precision without rewriting the reporting history.

How We Handle Updates

Many Capitol Watch pages are trackers or process explainers, so the record can change after publication. Routine updates should revise the visible update date. Major changes should also add context inside the page so returning readers understand what moved.

How To Report A Problem

Send the page URL.
Describe the specific sentence, table entry, or claim you believe is wrong.
Include the best supporting source you have, especially if it is a primary document.

For now, correction requests should be sent through the editorial team workflow referenced on the editorial team page. We review document-based requests first.

Correction Labels

Correction

Used when the page contained a factual error that required a direct fix.

Clarification

Used when the wording needed to be narrowed or explained for accuracy.

Update

Used when the underlying story changed after publication and the page needed fresh reporting.