School budget votes are approaching soon and the state, in the future, should make it easier for residents to utilize mail-in ballots. Many eligible district residents don’t vote or are unable to do so in person. These include the disabled, elderly, retirees, working couples and those traveling.

If we can effectively conduct absentee voting during presidential elections, we should certainly try to be more inclusive for our annual school budget votes and encourage greater participation.

In my school district, applications for an absentee ballot are available to be picked up only in the mornings at the district clerk’s office. While the application for a mail-in ballot can also be downloaded on the website, many elderly don’t have access to computers or are unfamiliar with using them. Greater notification of absentee voting options is also warranted.

Our school taxes are high, and the goal of more citizen engagement through higher voter turnout is one we should all support.

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