Finding information before election day

Last week the DCI began running a weekly feature called Decision 2024. Candidates for Kasson-Mantorville school board were all asked the same question and their responses printed. A question was also asked of candidates for state representative. This week’s DCI asks a question of the candidates for the Byron school board as well as state representative. Next week it will again be K-M candidates turn plus the two seeking the state representative post. This will continue until the November election.

In doing this the DCI hopes to help voters make informed decisions when they go to vote.

Though we hope all our readers take advantage of this series in the DCI, there are other ways to become informed.

The Byron School District ballot will include not only candidates for the school board but also a question asking residents to vote yes on a school levy. Earlier this year the district found itself with a substantial budget deficit leading to $1.5 million in cuts.

However, there are still financial issues and this November voters will be asked to approve a $1.9 million operating levy.

To explain the situation to the voters in an effort to secure passage of the levy, the District has scheduled two information sessions, Oct. 1 and Oct. 14.

These are two more opportunities for Byron district residents to learn about the issue.

Undoubtedly there will also be public forums scheduled by various groups to give candidates an opportunity to answers questions from voters.

And since these are local elections, there is always an opportunity to stop and ask the candidate a question when you see them in the community.

There are multiple ways to become an informed voter and we encourage every voter to take advantage of those opportunities. Read Decision 2024, attend the informational meetings and forums that apply to you and seek out the candidates.

Local issues affect everyone, often more directly than what happens in Washington.

Minnesota always has high voter turnout, at least as it compares to other states and that is good and commendable. It is up to every one of us who votes to make sure we know what the issues are and make an informed decision before we mark our ballot.