Big Push For 1-Cent Sales Tax Hike

Two weeks before the vote on an emergency 1-cent sales tax hike, the Baldwin County School System is making a big push to make sure voters get to the polls.

The school district has lost more than $61 million over the last two years in state and local funding. School officials say the sales tax hike would generate $25 million a year. Without it, they say more teacher layoffs and cuts are likely.

In 2008, the school district cut 115 jobs and in 2009 slashed another 350. The school district also locked the doors on two schools: Vaughn Elementary and the Baldwin County Alternative School.

The district is sending e-mails to voters, letting them know how to register before the deadline on Friday, where to vote and how to get an absentee ballot.

Special Election Details
March 23
Polls open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Must register to vote by Friday, March 12
Absentee ballots must be postmarked by March 18.

People in favor of the one-cent sales tax are holding a "Vote Yes" march and rally Sunday in Foley. The march begins at 2:00 p.m. at Ivan Jones Stadium and ends at Heritage Park on Highway 59. The rally will follow.