Presenter explains how Laurel School District residents can vote in Feb. 9 referendum

The presenter for the referendum reel said Laurel School District residents should be ready to vote on Feb. 9 and explained who is eligible and how to cast a ballot. The presenter said any U.S. citizen 18 or older who lives in the Laurel School District may vote in the referendum and that property ownership or previous registration is not required. The presenter added that voters must show proof of identity or residency, such as a drivers license, state ID, paycheck or utility bill.

The presenter outlined two ways to vote. For in-person voting, polls will be open Feb. 9 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at North Laurel Early Learning Academy, Laurel Elementary and Intermediate School, and Laurel Fire Hall. For those who cannot vote in person, the presenter said voters may request an absentee ballot from the Sussex County Elections Office and return it by mail or by drop-off.

The reel framed the referendum as a fiscal and operational matter for the district. "If the referendum passes, Laurel stabilizes its finances, avoids 0 day, supports competitive staffing, and maintains essential operations like technology and school safety," the presenter said. The presenter added that if the referendum does not pass and the district funds only the essentials it believes it must fund, "the district becomes insolvent in about 3.5 years, leading to reductions that directly affect classrooms, programs, and staffing." The presenter also said, "A child's location should never determine the quality of their education."

The presentation did not include the referendums ballot language, the proposed tax rate or dollar amount, or a contact phone number or web link for more information. The reel closed with a reminder to vote on Feb. 9 and the slogan, "Big Red says, vote for the 1st time in 40 years."