Election information released

Kootenai County has announced voting information for the March 8 presidential primary and school district elections.

Voters wanting an absentee ballot mailed to them need to submit their request by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, said Jim Brannon, Kootenai County clerk.

Voters can go to http://bit.ly/1KYkNyw to download the absentee ballot request form. The form can be returned to the county elections office by mail, fax or email. Kootenai County is paying the postage for mailed absentee ballots.

"Voters who want to vote early in person need to visit the county elections office between Monday, Feb. 22 and Friday, March 4," Brannon said.

The elections office is at 1808 N. Third St. in Coeur d’Alene and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Registered voters should bring a photo ID with them to cast their ballot or they may sign a personal identity affidavit instead.

New registrants, or voters who have moved or changed names, must re-register. They must bring a photo ID and proof of residency such as a utility bill or auto insurance certificate with the voter’s current residence address listed, dated at least 30 days prior to their voting date.

Voters who have questions about their proof of residency documents should call the elections office at 446-1030.

Party affiliation will affect a voter’s ballot choice in this election. Visit  http://bit.ly/1SFnyY0  for more information.

In addition to the presidential primary, voters in the Lakeland Joint School District will vote on a $5.3 million supplemental levy in this election. It will replace an existing levy. The levy amount increases the current levy by $505,000.

Passage of the levy will allow the district to maintain neighborhood schools with the same grade-level alignment and course offerings, district officials said. It will also help offset decreases in federal funding that support special education and Title I programs.

For the owner of a $150,000 home, the increase would amount to $12.33 per year, or $1.03 per month more than the current levy.

The increase would be used to improve school safety measures, including hiring a school resource officer in partnership with the city of Rathdrum and the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, reinforce windows with safety film, enhance existing emergency response systems and improve student health and safety services, which includes athletic trainers for competitive high school sports.

For more info, visit www.lakeland272.org or call 697-0431. Questions can also be submitted to levyquestions@lakeland272.org.