Your voice and your vote matter. Be sure to vote! General election: April 2
Voting information is available on the City Clerk’s website.
In-person, early voting begins Monday, March 18 at public libraries and Madison College campuses. You will need to present ID to receive an absentee ballot. If you are not already registered to vote at your current address, you may register to vote, with proof of residence, at any absentee voting location. Locations and times are available on the City Clerk’s website.
Frequently asked questions about school board elections:
Q: How does the school board election work? What do the seats mean?
A: All of the seats represent you (if you live in the Madison Metropolitan School District). There are 7 seats on the Board of Education and each candidate has to declare for a specific seat, but—unlike city council—all seats are “at-large,” representing everyone in the city. So that means you can cast a vote in each seat up for election (for this election, seats 3, 4 and 5).
Q: What does the school board do?
A: The school board, also known as the Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education, is a democratically-elected group of representatives who make policy and budget decisions for the Madison school district to keep our schools running smoothly. Other duties include being good stewards of taxpayer funds, hiring and supervising the superintendent, advocating on behalf of the Madison schools to lawmakers, listening to concerns and needs of the community, and representing constituents. Learn more here.
Q: How long is the term of each board member?
A: 3 years.
Q: What happens in the primary election?
A: This election, there are nine candidates running for three seats on the school board. Cris is running for Seat 3. All candidates and seats will be on the primary ballot. The two top vote-getters for each seat will advance to the general election. One of the candidates for Seat 3 (Skylar Croy) dropped out of the race. As a result, there are three people on the primary ballot for Seat 3, but only two of them are actually running.
Q: Do I need ID to vote?
A: Yes. Learn more at the City Clerk’s website.
Q: When do polls open and close? Where do I vote?
A: Polling locations open at 7 am and close at 8 pm. If you are in line to vote by 8 pm, you will be allowed to vote. Find out your voting location here.
Q: What happens if I don’t vote?
A: You miss out on the chance to give voice to your choice! Seriously, when you hear the electronic beep of the machine as it accepts your ballot – THAT’S what democracy sounds like.
Q: I’m interested in what the school board actually does. Where can I find out more?
A: For general information see the MMSD website and the calendar of school board meetings. (You can attend any open session meeting!) For public documents relating to meetings and policies, see Board Docs (it can be a little tricky to navigate; click here for help.) Board meetings are archived on YouTube.
Q: Can I vote in the school board race even if I don’t have a child in the MMSD schools?
A: Yes, absolutely!
Q: Is it just Madison voters who cast votes in the school board races?
A: Actually, these positions represent the MMSD attendance area, which includes Shorewood Hills, Maple Bluff, parts of the Town of Madison and portions of Fitchburg, which is split between Madison and Verona schools.
Q: Anything else I should know?
A: Education is a human right for all children, and strong public schools for all are essential for a healthy democracy. Get involved in our schools. Support our students and our teachers. Pay attention and ask critical questions. Now more than ever, our schools need your time, energy, and talent. You can make a difference!
Thank you – and remember to vote for Cristiana Carusi for strong schools for all!