5 Reasons to Vote May 20

With all the things you have to do, why should you come to the polls on Tuesday, May 20 to vote on the proposed school budget and cast your ballot in the school board election? Here are five reasons from the New York State School Boards Association:

Why vote?

Because you can.

In many nations of the world, and in most states of our union, citizens do not have the right to vote on the spending plans developed by their school districts.

Because you set an example.

The students we serve notice whether or not the adults in their lives exercise their civic responsibilities. We set an example whether or not we vote.

Because you show respect for what educators do.

Working with all the students that show up is a very difficult challenge. By taking the time to vote, you acknowledge this challenge.

Because your response is needed.

Your school board has developed a spending plan based on input from district employees and community members of budget advisory committees. These folks spent hundreds of hours considering options and making spending decisions for your consideration. Respond by voting.

Because your community and its children depend on you.

The folk wisdom that “it takes a whole community to raise a child” fits here. You share the responsibility to see that all children are educated. While you may not be actually involved with what occurs in classrooms, you can make your opinion known on what happens there by voting.