Be sure to get to the polls to vote!

Early Voting started on Saturday: this is key for those who will be away for the April 3 Election Day, which falls right in the middle of MCPS Spring Break.

Of course, on the ballot is the Primary Election for Presidential candidate for your party, as well as congressional and state seats.  One run-off that I'm particularly looking at this year is the Board of Education.  The BOE election is unique in that although the candidates are running to represent a particular district, everyone in the county votes for all the districts, unlike our Representatives or Senators or other district-based political officials.

As a parent, my interest in the BOE is pretty obvious.  This is the Board that makes important decisions for the schools system.  They make budget decisions and policy decisions that matter to the schools that my children attend - that's 4 different schools across the county.  I want BOE members who are going to place a priority on class size, a challenging curriculum, equal opportunities and options for all students, and providing schools the resources and supports to close the "Achievement Gap".

Even for those who don't have children, this is an important Board.  Not only does the school system have a very large budget, but the quality of the schools affects perceptions of the county, real estate, business development, and other factors of our county life.  Plus - the school system educates your neighbors' children and don't you want them to be smart?

Take the time before you go to the polls to check out the candidates - for all the contests, not just BOE.  I'm sure all of them have a website and/or Facebook page.  Figure out who has priorities and qualities that you like, don't just go by what's handed to you as you walk up to your polling station.  Your vote is important to each and every contest on the ballot, make it count!

For official rules on voting and polling places - go to www.777vote.org