KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Despite the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, school-related ballot questions are still on the ballot for the upcoming election on May 5 in Kalamazoo County.
In Kalamazoo, voters will be asked to vote on whether or not a millage renewal should be approved for the Kalamazoo Regional Education Service Agency. If approved, 1.5 mills would be allowed over the next three years.
In the event the millage is passed, tax rates would not be raised for residents. The resulting funds would be used for operation costs of Kalamazoo Public Schools.
Additionally, citizens will also be asked to vote on whether to approve a $41 million bond for improvements to Vicksburg Community Schools.
If passed, the total millage rate district residents would pay for 2020 will be 6.6-mil. That’s still a decrease from previous years after a 1991 bond measure expired just last year, cutting the rate for taxpayers in half.
District officials say the proposal would continue to set millage rates lower for each successive year after initial passage.
Due to the COVID-19 virus, voters are now encouraged to utilize absentee ballot voting in order to participate in the election while mitigating the viral spread.
On Friday, March 27, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an Executive Order to expand absentee voting.
As written, Executive Order 2020-27 will allow the Department of State to assist local jurisdictions in mailing absentee ballot applications to every registered voter, and to provide absentee ballots directly to new registrants. Local jurisdictions will still need to keep at least one polling place open for those who wish to vote in-person or are unable to vote by mail.
“While we work to slow the spread of COVID-19, we must do everything we can to encourage Michiganders to stay home and stay safe,” Governor Whitmer said in a statement. “The fewer people we have lining up at polling places the better, ensuring Michiganders safely practice social distancing while allowing them to safely exercise their right to vote in local elections.”
If voting absentee, citizens should register by April 20. Registration can be completed online by using this form or the mail-in form at this link.
Those who miss the deadline are still able to register to vote and can do so at their township or city clerk’s office, but should call ahead first. Clerks will also accept applications and proof of residency by mail, email or fax.
“I am grateful to Governor Whitmer for recognizing the critical need to protect public health while ensuring Michigan citizens are able to exercise their fundamental right as voters in our democracy,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. “Our sharpest tool to ensure citizens do not have to choose between casting a ballot and risking their health is the constitutional right they have to vote by mail, which voters themselves enshrined in our state constitution in 2018.”
The latest information regarding COVID-19 is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
— Joshua Scott contributed to this article. —
