Seminole County polls are open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. today in a county-wide sales tax referendum, a local school bond proposal, two school board races and a city council contest.

All registered voters in Seminole County face a quarter-cent sales tax proposal to fund operations at the county jail. There is already a half-cent tax in place that was approved by voters in 2006 for jail construction and operations. The tax is set to drop to a quarter cent in 2027. The new tax, if approved, will be in addition to the current tax.

The tax proposal has drawn opposition from the City of Seminole, the Seminole Economic Development Council, the Seminole Chamber of Commerce and Mark Mosley, City Manager of Wewoka. Opponents say the jail already has a funding source in place and a new tax is unnecessary. County officials say the tax is needed because jail employees need a raise.

Patrons in the Seminole School District will vote to fill seat #1 on the public school board. The seat is currently held by Marci Donaho, who is being challenged by Jolene Doucette.

In the Butner School District, Kelli Kannard is looking to unseat Michael G. Sowder on the school board.

A $7 million school bond proposal is on the ballot for Wewoka voters. If approved, a new middle school equipped with safe rooms will be constructed near the district’s two other sites.

In Maud, Cary Fletcher and Virgina Stephens are vying for the Ward Two seat on the City Council.

Sample ballots are available at the Seminole County Election Board offices, located inside the courthouse, and online at www. oklahoma.gov/elections. Call the county election board at (405) 257-2786 with any questions.