CAMPAIGN TO CONSOLIDATE SCHOOL ELECTIONS

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

In 2006, after Michigan law was changed to allow local school districts to “piggyback” school board elections onto local municipal elections, the Clerk’s Office launched a campaign to urge districts to make the change. In addition to improving voter turnout and discouraging “stealth” elections, the Clerk’s Office knew that merged elections would save up to $1 million tax dollars a year in Oakland County, allowing them to buy 2,000 computers, 33,000 textbooks, and hire 25 new teachers. Their awareness campaign included newspaper editorials, presentations to school boards, testifying before a Senate elections committee, and using many forums to push districts to make the change.