There will be a special election Tuesday, May 25, to approve the Lewiston school budget that was developed by our School Committee and approved by our City Council.

Members of both groups have spent countless hours researching, reviewing, and discussing this budget, but Maine law requires a citywide vote for its final approval.

Unfortunately, this special referendum election each year receives very little media coverage, which results in low voter participation. This, in turn, may result in an unrepresentative and disproportionately negative response to a budget that has been carefully crafted and approved by our elected officials on the School Committee and City Council. A rejection of the proposed budget by the public would necessitate yet another costly special election.

We need residents’ vote for approval of these funds, which are truly needed to support our Lewiston schools, our school personnel, and, most importantly, our children.

This special referendum election will take place at the Longley School, 145 Birch St., Lewiston, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 25. Residents should take a few minutes to vote to support our children’s education by approving this carefully constructed and reviewed school budget.

Elaine Makas, Lewiston