From mayor to school board: What you need to know before voting on April 8

Liberty Thought of the Week

PAUL HAMBY

Are you ready to vote on April 8?

Across the state of Missouri, there are elections for new local taxes, creating new bonds for local governments (bonds are long term loans) and renewing existing taxes.

There are races for mayor, city council (sometimes called alderman), township, local boards such as fire or ambulance and school board members.

Sometimes, we see local elections where the winner is elected by just 1 or 2 votes.

For example, in the April 2023 Lake of the Ozarks 3rd ward alderman election, Carol Denny won the race with 29 votes. Her opponent received 28 votes!

Your vote matters!

Even in higher turnout elections, we sometimes see very close local races. For example, in November 2024, the Gentry County Missouri District 1 Commissioner race came in with a tie. Curtis Wilmes and Randy Cline each received 808 votes. A runoff election was held December 3, with Cline winning.

In the Buchanan County Missouri 2024 Commissioner race, Ron Hook had 7,851 to Everett Goddard’s 7,831 on election night. Just a 20 vote margin.

In November 2021, the Savannah school board 15-cent tax levy increase failed by less than 30 votes or about 1%. That was the second attempt to raise property taxes on Savannah school district taxpayers.

Your vote counts!

Most April tax increases that pass do so with a super minority - due to extremely low voter turnout. 20% turnout of registered voters or less is common. An April 2023 Cole R-5 ballot question only had a 14% turnout, and one precinct only had 8% of registered voters voting.

Spring elections are sometimes called tyranny of the minority. The winning side of an issue is often decided by a very very small percent of the population.

This is the time to study the ballot, ask questions of candidates - to learn about tax renewals or tax increases. Sample ballots are now online by your local election authority or county clerk. Sample ballots will be printed in your local newspaper. Become an informed voter for the April 8 local election.

The deadline to register to vote for the April 8 municipal elections is March 12.

Early voting is underway at your local county clerk office.

Election day is April 8, 2025