If you are a registered voter, you are likely receiving
mail right now asking you to vote yes on an “override” for your local school
district.
School override
elections generate additional tax revenue to fund local school districts.
The funds augment what the state provides, and are often targeted for teacher
salaries, benefits, supplies, art, music, and other operations.
These elections
tend to draw only very committed voters and can be decided by a small number of
votes. Some people think that if they live in an apartment, or they don’t
have children, these elections don’t affect them. Of course, this isn’t the
case. Schools, especially good schools, affect everyone in the neighborhood. They
are points of pride and can attract investment to an area.
If you have a
student in school, take the time to learn about the upcoming override election
in your district and vote. Many families who live in apartments took the
time to research the school district before they moved, and great school
districts can attract families to an area.
Some cities and
are holding bond elections. These elections, slated for Tuesday, Nov. 3,
also typically draw smaller turnouts. The community projects in these bond
proposals range from transportation to public safety and quality-of-life
projects. There’s lots of information online about these elections. I urge you
to do your research and get involved in the election — VOTE.