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Your school board could become “beholden” to politicians: ACT NOW!

February 25, 2011 in School Board Elections by Holly

With the winding down of days left in this year’s legislative session, things are ramping up.  Schools this legislative session have seen it all—in 131 different education-related fixes, reforms, budget issues, and pet projects.  Interestingly, 19 have been abandoned and only 8 have passed, leaving 104 left to see their fate before the 2011 General Session of the 59th Legislature adjourns sine die.  That’s just 10 days, folks.

Apparently, this might not be enough micromanaging or political intervention for the Legislature because yesterday Senator Howard Stephenson unveiled a bill to make the State School Board an extension of the political parties.  Yes, if this bill passes, school decision makers will be forced to run through a political party, be elected in a partisan election,  and become embroiled with all the politics that comes with it.  So much for making decisions based solely on what’s good for school children!

We can only hope that others in the Legislature consider the following survey information:

  • The poll shows 78% favor keeping the process non-partisan rather than getting nominations through political parties. (Feb. 2011 Utah Policy Daily, Opinionology Poll)
  • 66% oppose forcing candidates for the Utah State Board of Education to run through a political party which would require going through primaries and conventions in order to get nominated. (Nov. 2011 Dan Jones Survey)
  • 67% of those who took the survey indicated that their public schools “probably are not” or “definitely are not” adequately funded in order to provide a quality education. (Nov. 2011 Dan Jones Survey)
  • Respondents identified themselves by party:  51% Republican, 15% Democrat, and 22% Independent. (Nov. 2011 Dan Jones Survey)

There has been much debate and publicity on the idea of partisan vs. non-partisan school boards in the past couple of months.  As you can see, the more citizens have become educated on the issue, the more sure they are that partisan school boards do not serve the children of the state.

There are many, many reasons not to pass a partisan school board bill.  No one political party captures all of the issues in public education nor has all the remedies for its many challenges.  Public education should not be restricted by operating inside of the parameters of a political party or of its party leader(s).  Partisan politics, even well-intended, tends to be uneven and subject to the whims of lawmakers.  Schools should not have to brace for new administrations or new majorities or new representatives each election cycle.  Children and teachers need continuity and stability, even as they work to innovate and improve.  Local leadership provides local accessibility to all of Utah’s citizens.  Let’s not have school board members become “beholden” to politicians; let’s keep them accountable to their neighbors and local communities.

Contact your Senator and Representative today, and tell them to vote NO on SB224 Partisan School Board Elections.  Find out who your Senator and Representative are here.

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Party Caucus 101—Question & Answer for Party Caucuses

March 22, 2010 in Election by Holly

Party Caucus FAQ

Q: I’ve never been very political. Why should I attend a party caucus or mass meeting?

A: Many voters do not consider themselves to be part of a particular political party or movement. Most of us are regular people who choose to focus our attention on our families, our careers, and making ends meet. Our personal and family goals are far more important to us than the partisan divisiveness we see on the evening news. Voters in this state of mind may bristle at the thought of attending a “party caucus.” It sounds so…well, political. Why would we want to step into that world?

The fact is, a party caucus is the place where an ordinary person can make the most impact on county and state government. We tend to think of November elections as “decision time.” However, many of the important decisions about how our government is run are not made at the ballot box in November; they’re made in March at caucus meetings and in the spring and summer at party conventions. This is where priorities are set. This is where candidates are chosen. This is where we as a people determine the future direction of our communities — and, of course, our public schools.

Q: What is the difference between a “neighborhood (or precinct) caucus” and a “mass meeting”?

A: The Utah State Republican Party holds neighborhood or precinct caucuses throughout the state. At these meetings, often held at a home in the neighborhood, voters assemble by voting precinct. This year the Republican party is also meeting by legislative district in some areas.  The Utah State Democratic Party holds mass meetings at which voters gather according to legislative district. During the meeting, participants break into smaller groups to conduct precinct business.

Q: When do precinct caucus and mass meetings take place?

A: Meetings for all parties are held on the same Tuesday evening in March. The 2010 caucuses and mass meetings will be held on March 23rd.

Q: What happens at a neighborhood caucus or mass meeting?

A: At precinct caucuses and mass meetings, participating voters organize the party within their precinct by electing officers such as precinct chair, vice chair, etc. More importantly they also elect delegates to participate in the party’s county and state conventions. Those delegates’ votes will determine which candidates for office will be presented to voters during the primary or general election. Delegates also determine party officers and make important decisions about the party’s platform.

Q: Who can participate in a neighborhood caucus or mass meeting?

A: The rules for participation are set by the respective party. The Utah Republican Party requires voters to be registered as Republicans in order to participate in a neighborhood caucus, party convention, or primary election. The Utah Democratic Party mass meetings, conventions, and primary elections are open to all registered voters.

Q: How do I know if I’m registered with a particular political party?

A: Check your voter information card or contact your county clerk’s office. Salt Lake County residents can obtain this information by completing an online form here.

Q: How do I register with a political party?

A: When you register to vote, you have the option of affiliating with a particular political party. To change your party affiliation, simply fill out a new voter registration form. Your voter record will be updated with the new information. For more information on registering to vote, click here.

Q: How do I find the meeting for my precinct?

A: Caucus locations are usually published in local newspapers a few days before caucus night. You can also get information by contacting party headquarters:

Utah State Republican Party
w: www.utgop.org
t: (801) 553-9777 -or- 1-800-230-UTAH
e: http://info@utgop.org

Utah State Democratic Party
w: www.utdemocrats.org
t: (801) 328-1212

You will need to know your precinct number to locate the correct caucus meeting.

Q: Can I attend a caucus outside my own neighborhood?

A: In order to participate in a party caucus, you must attend the meeting for your voting precinct.

Q: What if I don’t know my precinct number or legislative district number?

A: If you don’t know your precinct number or your legislative district, check your voter registration card or contact your county clerk’s office. If you live in Salt Lake County, you can look up your precinct number and other voter information. You can also determine your legislative district by consulting the map on the Legislature’s website.

Q: What if I’m not registered to vote?

A: You can register to vote at your County Clerk’s office or by mailing in a voter registration form. Statewide forms are available from the state Elections Office. Salt Lake County residents can complete a voter information form online. (You will still need to mail in a signed copy.)

Voter registration forms may be available at your caucus meeting.

Q: What if my name or address has changed since I registered to vote?

A: If your name or address has changed since you last registered to vote, you will need to fill out a new voter registration form.  Remember, you must participate in the caucus for the precinct in which you now live.

Q: What should I do if I’m told I can’t participate?

A: Don’t just leave; call the party to clarify.

Utah State Republican Party
t: (801) 553-9777 -or- 1-800-230-UTAH

Utah State Democratic Party
t: (801) 328-1212

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