ESSEXVILLE, MI -- A recent school bond proposal and sinking fund millage that was approved in the Essexville-Hampton Public Schools district has readers questioning the fairness of holding an election in the winter.
After voters shot down a significantly larger millage in August, the district brought back a scaled down version that would help improve and update its four school buildings for the next 15 years. Voters approved the $4.9 million bond proposal 1,367-782; and a sinking fund that levies 3 mills over the next five years 1,333-822.
Some readers called the election unfair due to the fact that it was held in February instead of during a typical election season.
Yellowbird: A vote should not be allowed in the winter. They do it on purpose because they know all the non-voters (retired) are usually in warmer places. Way to beat the system, so do not yell at kids when they try to beat the system.
Concerned Citizen: People have better things to do that vote all the time. Some people work you know. And getting in absentee ballot pain in butt . I have to drive down yet application for absentee then wait for it in mail then fill it out and return it. I tend to travel out of state so that's hard. I already voted last fall on it
Essexville-Hampton wasn't the only school district going for a millage on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Voters in the Midland Public Schools district approved a $121 million bond to upgrade their school buildings. Nearly 30 other school districts across the state also held elections.
The argument for not holding the election during the winter is that not as many people would show up or submit an absentee ballot. Tuesday's election in Essexville and Hampton Township, however, actually garnered more votes -- 2,155 -- than it did in August -- 2,147.
Should school districts be allowed to to hold elections for tax-levying proposals in the winter? Take our poll above and let us know how you voted in the comments below.