Chickashanews.com

Top News

Related Photos

  • This picture was taken shortly after school was let out yesterday. Pollsters said this was a common sight during yesterday's elections. James Bright / Express-Star

    IMG_6949.JPG

Discussion

Add a comment on this story
February 24, 2013

State should combine election dates

The Express-Star

CHICKASHA — Elections are a precious thing, and we find the treatment of school board elections by the state of Oklahoma to be deplorable.

February may be the worst possible month to hold any election, and given the lack of publication and politicization of school board elections, placing them in February is a virtual electorate death sentence. Weather conditions are rarely ideal in February and we can't find blame with voters who would rather remain safe then risk danger by getting out to vote.

In addition, we find holding school board elections alone with no others is costly and will only work to hinder voter participation.

The solution is simple. Combine school board elections with the general municipal elections to save money and increase voter turnout.

The Feb. 12 elections cost Chickasha Independent School District $4,500 to hold, according to the Grady County Election Board. This money could be spent elsewhere and put to better use if the school board elections piggybacked off of municipal elections.

Paul Zirak, Secretary of the Oklahoma State Election Board,  said he favors combining election days when it comes to school board and agreed February is a terrible month to host any sort of election. He said some proposals have been made at the state level to change to a multi-election cycle.

We hope our legislators will take a good long look at these proposals and come to the realization that independent school board elections are a detriment to their respective school districts and the democratic process.

Passing legislation that combines election days can only help in every facet of this problem, so we implore the state government to rectify this situation as soon as possible before another school board election with a voter turnout of 350 passes by.



Editorials represent a consensus of the editorial board of The Express-Star.

The editorial board is composed of the editor, publisher and various staff members.

Text Only
Top News
  • DSC_2844.JPG Kittens coming along after dumpster dispair

    After being plucked from a dumpster on the north side of town, seven kittens now sit in a green carrier in the Chickasha Animal Shelter with a new found sense of hope.

    May 17, 2013 1 Photo

  • GCEM prepares for active shooter with excercise

    Preparation is the key to any emergency, according to Grady County Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson. Other emergency responders share the same sentiment, and are planning an active shooter tabletop exercise to kick the county’s potential crisis plans into high gear.

    May 17, 2013

  • riane tuthill.jpg Lincoln student champion archer

    Riane Tuthill, a fifth grade student at Lincoln Elementary in Chickasha, was on target at the National Archery in the Schools Program competition this spring. 

    May 17, 2013 1 Photo

  • Community flea market offers help to needy

    On May 3, Mae Rhodes opened the Beholding the Child Non-Profit Community Flea Market, whose goal is to help those in need. 

    May 17, 2013

  • Knife-point standoff ends in arrest

    A Chickasha man has been arrested on assault and abuse charges after holding his wife and son at knife point.

    May 17, 2013

  • 5-17 AubreyMcCoy-Pentagon.jpg Capitol gets real McCoy at 4-H Conference

    Tuttle's Aubrey McCoy rubbed shoulders with some of the nation's movers and shakers while also shedding light on an important subject when she was selected to attend the National 4-H Conference last month.

    May 17, 2013 1 Photo

  • Water tops CIP list as tax deadline looms in near future

    The possible extension of the CIP three-quarter sales tax, which expires early next year and will require a vote, was the main topic of discussion for the CIP Tax Oversight Committee on Tuesday.
    The main focus of the meeting centered on city plans, mainly improvements, which will be implemented if the tax is approved for continuation.

    May 17, 2013

  • County reacts to NTSB blood alcohol suggestion for every state in union

    The possibility of lowering the blood alcohol legal limit from .08 to .05 was met with mixed reactions from the citizens of Grady County.

    May 16, 2013

  • 5-17 AubreyMcCoy-Pentagon.jpg Capitol gets real McCoy at 4-H Conference

    Tuttle's Aubrey McCoy rubbed shoulders with some of the nation's movers and shakers while also shedding light on an important subject when she was selected to attend the National 4-H Conference last month.

    May 16, 2013 1 Photo

  • durant_grizzliesG5_lm1_130515.jpg Thunder season ends as fatigued Durant flames out

    Whether it was frustration, disappointment, exhaustion or all of the above, Kevin Durant understandably hung a low head after Wednesday’s 88-84 loss to Memphis that saw the Thunder bow out of the NBA playoffs.

    May 16, 2013 1 Photo