With the bond vote approaching and the future of the Niles community at stake, educators at Niles Community Schools wish to ensure that all registered voters have an opportunity to cast their vote.

For those who are unable to make it to the polls on May 5, Niles Community Schools strongly encourages casting an absentee voter ballot.

A request for an absent voter ballot must be in writing and can be submitted to a person’s city or township clerk. For assistance in obtaining the address of the city or township clerk, see hMichigan.gov/vote. Absentee ballots are available to registered voters who are:

• age 60 years old or older

• unable to vote without assistance at the polls

• expecting to be out of town on election day

• in jail awaiting arraignment or trial

• unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons

• appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of your precinct of residence.

“We have introduced two Bond proposals to make sure our current and future students learn in a safe and secure environment that is conducive to helping them achieve their potential,” said Dr. Michael Lindley, Niles superintendent. “Given the impact of these proposals on our community, it is critical that residents cast their vote on May 5, whether in person or by absentee ballot.”

The district will be hosting a community forum at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at. at Ring Lardner Middle School, 801 N. 17th St., Niles.

“We encourage all community members to attend this informational meeting,” Lindley said. “We urge all voters to become informed on the issues facing the District.”

For more information regarding the bond, please visit www.nilesschools.org and click on the Every LEARNER, Every SCHOOL icon.