Recently, the decision was made to combine city and school elections in an effort to increase voter turn out. This article talks about the rationale.
In the 2021 election in Polk County, there were 2082 residents that cast their vote. This was out of the 10,742 registered voters that reside in Grimes. This was in a combined city and school election. Traditionally, these elections have a higher turn out rate. View results here.
In the recent April 11, 2023 special election, 12.7% of registered Grimes residents turned out to vote. These voters were voting in a special election for school board. These elections have historically had very low turn out rates.
In Dallas County, 371 voters that were eligible to vote in the DCG Special election turned out to vote. While I had hoped that more would turn out at the polls, the data doesn't lie. Over 82% of those that voted in Dallas County didn't agree with the decision to move to all At-Large Directors on the school board.
I said in the school board forum, I am not the strongest with numbers. With that said, I do use data and the statistics regularly. I analyze test results searching for patterns and students that need additional support. While I am not an auditor, I do believe that some inferences can be made from the data that is available from the Dallas and Polk County Auditors' websites. First and foremost, registered voters don't always vote. Secondly, historically when in a Special Election, and voting on a single issue, turn out is very low. This is why the decision was made to combine school and city elections. The goal is to turn out the vote.
I am so proud of the Dallas Center - Grimes CSD residents that showed up and cast their votes. Their voices were heard because they took the time to take part in a sacred civic duty that is so special and part of what makes our democracy so great. I encourage residents to stay informed and apprised of what is happening in our communities. There are still many important decisions to be made. It is our responsibility and civic duty to stay informed.
We will soon be appointing an interim superintendent. There is a regular board meeting on April 24, 2023 at 5:30. You can watch it in person or from the comfort of your own home on the district's YouTube channel.
Before we know it summer will arrive. Soon we all will be busy with family, holiday celebrations and vacations. It is easy to acquiesce and become complacent. Your voice, your vote and staying informed never mattered more than they do right now.
Thank you again to every single DCG resident that voted! I know not everyone voted for me. With that said, I commit to representing you all and doing so with integrity. Thank you again for this appointment, I am honored to serve in this capacity.