Because the May election is a primary, all voting sites must have an individual or party centric ballot for each political party; Republican, Democrat, and in some case Libertarian. Each ballot must have the school board race printed on them as well. If a voter does not want to vote in a party's primary, but only vote for the school board members, then they are given a different ballot with only the school board election on it. "Right now school board elections are printed on four different ballots are every voting location in the state," said Rep. Frizzell. "It is not cost effective and it can add confusion at the polls." The bill also aims to increase participation. According to the Indiana Secretary of State's website, the general election in November typically has a participation rate that is 20% or higher than the primary election. By moving the school board election to the November ballot, you increase interest, focus, and participation. "It is important that we drive up the interest and participation in school board elections," said Rep. Frizzell. "They are important members of our communities, and can have a major impact in the education and well being of our children and grandchildren. It benefits everybody when we increase the focus and participation in the election of school board members." The House passed the bill with a vote of 73-24. It will now move over to Senate for further debate. -30- |
