Minnewaska Taxpayers
Why Hold a Referendum in an Off-Year?
If you’ve been wondering why Minnewaska Area Schools decided to hold this $25 million referendum in November 2025 instead of during a regular election year — you’re not alone.
Because the timing isn’t random. It’s strategic.
The Data Doesn't Lie
Across Minnesota, school referendums are far more likely to pass when they’re held in off-election years — when turnout is low and fewer people are paying attention.
In fact, according to statewide data, off-year referendums pass more than 70% of the time, compared to roughly 52% when they’re placed on the ballot during a general election.
Fewer voters means fewer “no” votes.
And the district knows that.
Why It Matters
When referendums are held off-cycle, it’s not the full community making the decision — it’s a small percentage of voters who happen to know about it, or who are directly connected to the school.
That means a $25 million debt commitment — one that affects every single taxpayer for the next two decades — could be decided by just a few hundred votes.
That’s not democracy. That’s strategy.
But Don't We All Get to Vote?
Technically, yes.
But here’s the catch: many people don’t even know it’s happening.
This isn’t on your November presidential or midterm ballot. There’s no line at the courthouse. No reminder postcard from the Secretary of State.
Just a quiet, stand-alone election that the district runs itself.
Unless you’ve been following closely, you might not even realize a $25 million decision is on the table.
The Cost of Low Turnout
When turnout is low, the outcome doesn’t necessarily reflect what the broader community wants — just what a small, motivated group decides.
That’s why timing matters.
Because when only 20% of voters show up, it takes a much smaller group to pass a massive spending proposal.
If you care about accountability, transparency, and community input — this should matter to you as much as the dollar amount itself.
So What Can You Do?
Don’t let this one slip by quietly.
Talk to your neighbors.
Make sure they know this election is happening this fall — not next year’s general election.
Early voting is already open at the Minnewaska School District Office (Door #1), Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM.
You can also vote on Election Day at the Pope County Courthouse from 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Every vote counts — especially when they’re counting on you not to show up.
Vote NO. Tell the district to stop playing the timing game and bring forward a plan that earns real community support.
