Vote-yes volunteers report broad outreach as Annandale board hears operating levy update

A representative of the Vote Yes committee told the Annandale Public School District board on Monday that volunteers have been conducting intensive, ground-level outreach ahead of the district's operating-levy question.

"We've made over 1,000 phone calls, visited 125 homes, and mailed postcards to over 2,000 targeted voters," said Alyssa Damagala, who identified herself as speaking for the Vote Yes committee. She listed recent outreach events — school open houses, sports events, farmers markets and civic-group meetings — and upcoming activities, including a presence at the community Spooktacular event and a downtown trick-or-treating table.

The district administrator thanked the group and updated the board on voting logistics tied to a concurrent special election in District 29. The administrator said early in-person voting locations differ by county and reminded residents that Wright County voters must use Buffalo for in-person early voting while Stearns County voters must use their county courthouse locations.

Damagala emphasized the campaign's approach to community engagement: "We've worked hard to remove the barriers from transportation to lack of information and to create meaningful opportunities for engagement and participation," she said, adding that the committee avoided yard signs and radio ads in favor of direct conversations.

The board did not take a formal vote on levy policy at the meeting; the presentation functioned as public comment and an informational update. Board members thanked the volunteers and noted continued outreach through the final days before the election.

The district will canvass the election results at a special board meeting set for Nov. 12; the next regular board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 24, 2025, at Annandale Elementary School.