Time runs out to mail Sisters school levy ballots

Voters have until March 12 at 8 p.m. to cast ballots in the election to renew the Sisters School District Local Option. But Thursday, March 7, is the final day to mail in ballots and still have them count. This election requires at least 50% of registered voters to cast ballots in order for the results to count.

Background

Since 2000, Sisters residents have supported local schools with the Local Option. This levy raises 9% of Sisters School District’s annual budget.

The revenue from the Sisters Local Option has allowed Sisters to keep class sizes manageable, maintain a full school year, and retain courses in outdoor education, art, music, technology, shop, foreign language and P.E. It has helped keep great teachers, sports programs and co-curriculars many schools have been forced to cut. It funds new textbooks, teacher salaries and electives.

Local Option has helped makeSisters schools among the best in the state. (For graphics and full details on school performance and Local Option, visit www.sisterslocaloption.org.)

Three Ways to Vote

The Sisters Local Option Committee reminds voters that Thursday, 3/7, is the last day to MAIL ballots and be sure they count. Here are three ways to be sure a vote is counted.

1. Mark your ballot yes, sign the envelope and get it to the mailbox by March 7. Election Day is March 12, but just putting it a ballot in the mail that day will mean that vote isn’t counted.
2. Drop it at Sisters City Hall by the morning of March 12.
3. Drop it in Bend at the Elections Department for Deschutes County before 8pm on March 12: Clerk’s Office, 1300 NW Wall St, Suite 202