The theory of "voter crosspressure" focuses on the idea that voters have predispositions and try to avoid information (pressure) that would cause them to vote against their predisposition. If a voter is unsuccessful in avoiding that information, he or she will vote against his or her predisposition. (Author/IRT)

The vote-by-mail procedure is presently being tried in Oregon. Supporters claim it is good for democracy because it increases the number of persons involved in decision making. Opponents say it encourages participation by people who know little or nothing about issues on the ballot. (MLF)

Working with local reporters is increasingly important in passing educational referendums. An analysis of the Rockford, Illinois, school system's press coverage relating to a failed and then a passed referendum shows an interesting pattern. The referendum defeat was preceded by a lack of fact-filled, substantive newspaper reports about the…

Suggests that to use time and money to maximum effectiveness, a candidate should run a 2-level campaign, one directed at issues, the other at making his name known. (WM)

Lists strategies drawn from research findings to help candidates win board of education elections. (JM)

Two telephone surveys of registered voters in Toledo (Ohio)--one conducted a month before a school levy election, one a week before the election--enabled campaign workers to see if their strategies were effective and to make suggested changes. The levy passed with 52 percent of the vote. (Author/MLF)

The superintendent of the Durham County, North Carolina, schools explains the approach he took in gaining passage of a financial election. The method is that termed "voter crosspressure" in another article in this issue. (IRT)

By developing broad community input and support, a Louisiana district (Monroe City Schools) passed a $59 million property tax package. Offers 10 strategies for winning campaigns. (MLF)

An Illinois school system won a bond issue election with a 30-day marketing campaign. Helpful marketing practices include identification of the target audience and finding the best medium to reach the audience. (MLF)

Mail-in elections are prompting school officials to communicate their message to a wide variety of audiences. Many of the states using vote-by-mail have also made it much easier for citizens to cast absentee ballots. Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of voting by mail. (MLF)

A Colorado school district attracted over 2,000 volunteers to work on a winning campaign for a mill increase to make up for a $7 million shortfall in state funds. Offers 10 key lessons along with pointers for putting them to work in other school districts. (MLF)

Offers suggestions on how a board member can best exert power, whether he or she is alone in his or her opinions, part of a committee, part of a minority on the board, or part of the majority. (IRT)

To help sell a school bond issue in Akron, Ohio, the district recruited speakers that the voters could identify with: coaches, school board members, ministers, parents, senior citizens, and key school staff members. Speakers were brought together for a training session to go over presentation skills and the key selling points identified by the…

Ten years ago the new superintendent of District 11 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, learned the proposed budget was $12 million out of balance. Now the district has sound financial backing thanks to improving business practices. (MLF)