Ballot Issues

In addition to candidate races, there are often ballot issues on the ballot.  Some are local issues (school bonds) and others are state (referendums and initiatives).   The information below is to help you better understand the types of issues that might appear on the ballot.

Types of Local Measures

Bonds

A district may ask for authorization of bonds usually to build and/or equip a structure.  New schools, fire stations and aquatic centers are examples for bond construction money.

Levies

A district may ask for authorization to cover their maintenance and operation costs.  Other districts, such as park districts, can place levy requests on the ballot.

Levy Lid Increases

A district, usually a fire district, may ask for authorization to increase its regular property tax levy rate.  By law, fire districts have to follow a tax allocation distribution formula.  If a district determines the allocation is not enough the district has the option of requesting a levy lid increase.

Annexations

A district may ask for authorization to be placed within another taxing district or change its boundary lines.

Other

Advisory Ballots, Sales and Use Tax, Change of Form of Government, other.

A district may ask voters’ approval or opinion to change an existing situation or create something new.  For example - creating a new district.

• Requirements to pass a bond issue A turnout equal to 40% of the ballots cast in the last General election is required to validate a bond election in a given district.
• Of that total turnout, 60% of the votes must be “yes” for the issue to pass.

Example:

•  If 1,000 votes were cast in the last General election
• 400 total votes must be cast to validate (40% of 1,000).
• Of the 400 votes cast, 240 must be “yes” votes (60% of 400 = 240).

All Levies except excess school levies

• The passing of all levies except excess school levies are the same as the bond issue however, if the required 40% does not turnout, the levy can pass if the issue receives the minimum number of “yes” votes.

Example:

•  If 1,000 votes were case in the last General election,
• 400 total votes must be cast to validate (40% of 1,000).
• Of the 400 votes cast, 240 must be “yes” votes (60%of 400 = 240).
• If less than 400 total votes cast, for example, 300 total votes cast, then 240 of the 300 votes must be “yes” votes to pass the levy.

School Excess Levies

• There is no turnout requirement for school excess levies (no validation requirement).
• A simple majority vote is sufficient to pass a levy (50% yes + 1 vote).

Levy Lid Increase

•  A simple majority. (50% yes + 1 vote)

Annexation

• A simple majority. (50% yes + 1 vote)

Advisory ballot, sales and use tax, or change of form of government

•  A simple majority. (50% + 1 vote)