An electric field paper stabilizing system for an electrographic plotter, printer, or the like includes a continuous transport belt for passing a recording medium in substantially a complete revolution past a writing head. The belt is conductive or has a conductive surface conformably coated with a minimally thin dielectric material of high dielectric strength and permittivity. A recording medium such as electrostatic writing paper has a conductive surface adjacent the dielectric coating on the conductive transport belt. Electrode means are provided in the dielectric coating for holding the paper at ground potential. A differential potential is applied between the back side of the paper and the conductive transport belt whereby the paper and belt function as parallel conductive plates of a capacitor. The electric field developed between the conductive paper and the belt provides a strong hold down force which immovably registers the paper to the belt. Because the entire back side of the paper is conductive and held at ground potential, the conductive side of the paper acts as a ground plane, preventing the strong electric field from interfering with other electric fields from the writing nibs which may be applied to the writing surface of the paper.