Each election cycle, our K-12 bond services team dives deep into election results across the state of Michigan to offer this analysis and insight to school leaders seeking future voter approval for infrastructure proposals.
The May bond election results were lower than the historic passage rate; the overall results are showing a trend that bond election passage is becoming more challenging. When considering the timing of a bond election, there are several factors to consider, including: other proposals on the ballot, the number of contested races, the community demographics and the political makeup of the district.
Engaging with your community to establish trust and a clear understanding of needs that will be supported is key to success.
• Of the 45 bond proposals on the ballot, only 21 were approved; that is a 46% success rate.
• Of the 28 “zero mill increase” (no change to tax rate) proposals, 19 passed. At 68% passage, this is lower than the 79% passage rate of May 2024.
• Two districts attempted two bond proposals on their ballots, for a total of four proposals. None of them passed. As is often the case, having multiple “options” on a ballot tends to reduce the likelihood of success.
• One district had a bond proposal fail that would have decreased the debt millage rate from its current level.
• Voters are citing concerns over economic uncertainty, project scope, district needs versus wants, and debating bond debt compared to sinking fund usage.
• “Partisan politics” is trickling down to the K-12 bond election level, with political organizations advocating one way or the other more frequently than in the past.
• While the Michigan Secretary of State doesn’t keep voter turnout data statewide for a special election, voter turnout appears to vary between 15–30% depending on the district. May elections still have a lower turnout, especially in off-year elections.
• These results illustrate that it is more important than ever to create campaign strategies and project scopes that reflect specific community dynamics.
Christman is a proven partner in the K-12 market from pre-bond planning through construction, bringing an approach tailored to each community. We’re ready to help move your district forward. For more information, please contact Brett Gillespie, Bond Services Marketing Manager.
Bond Services Marketing ManagerBrett.Gillespie@christmanco.com