The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Editorials

November 1, 2009

Our view: Low-key election still has issues

Despite the lack of hoopla leading up to it, Tuesday is, indeed, Election Day.

Even though the buildup to this year’s Election Day is so low key some ears can’t even pick up the sound, that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything at stake.

In this region, your school district may be asking for approval of an operating levy or possibly a bond referendum to finance projects. There also may be school board and city council candidates to vote for. (In Mankato the School Board races are uncontested.)

Of the 57 school districts in the state asking for approval of an operating levy, 19 of them want the public to renew the levy amount they already have. The levies are good up to 10 years and then must be renewed to continue. In this region, Blue Earth Area and Maple River school districts will ask voters to renew existing levies. New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva doesn’t have an operating levy and will attempt to pass one.

Le Center, Waseca and Waterville-Elysian-Morristown school districts are asking for higher operating levies.

The St. Peter school district is asking voters to help fund deferred maintenance.

Also in St. Peter, voters will be asked to vote for mayoral and council candidates.

So there are reasons to hit the voting booth on Tuesday.

Polling times vary, so check with county elections office to get specific information.

To find your polling place, visit the Minnesota secretary of state’s Web site: pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us

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