Opposition argues that the permanent school tax levy on today’s ballot would “give up the right” to vote on it ever again.

Argument aside, however, most people will likely forgo their right to vote when given the chance today.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. today for voters in the St. Joseph School District to decide two issues — renewing and making permanent a 63-cent operating levy first approved in 2004, and $45 million in construction bonds for new elementary schools. Other school bond and levy votes are taking place in King City, Rock Port and Nodaway County, plus numerous other local elections in Northwest Missouri.

Buchanan County Clerk Pat Conway predicted a turnout of about 13,000 voters in the St. Joseph School District election. That would translate to a turnout of about 30 percent.

“We’ve had them as low as 7 percent for school district elections for candidates, but this is a tax issue,” Mr. Conway said. “Thirty percent would be one of the stronger turnouts for a local issue.”

In 2004, when the 63-cent levy was approved, more than 21,000 voters cast ballots — a turnout of nearly 50 percent.

That would be the exception to the rule. A year ago, for the school board election, turnout was about 11 percent. The city of St. Joseph’s CIP tax election in 2007 drew a turnout of 18 percent.

Registered voters must vote at their registered polling place, and any address corrections would need to be made from there. People can vote with any one proof of identification, including a voter registration card, a driver’s license, student ID, government ID or even a utility bill or bank statement.

To review ballots and polling places, go online to http://www.buchcomovotes.com/.

Joe Blumberg can be reached at joeblumberg@npgco.com.