The Missouri Senate Bill 485 (SB485) has the potential to enhance participation in school board elections. This bill proposes moving school board elections to November of even-numbered years, aligning them with general elections starting in 2026. While ACT4MO supports this change as a way to boost voter turnout and engagement, it’s critical to understand that this shift alone doesn’t guarantee conservative candidates will secure more seats on local school boards. The key to meaningful change lies in active citizen participation.
About SB485
SB485 aims to reschedule school board elections to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years, effective from 2026. This applies to Missouri school districts, standardizing board member terms to four years after a transitional period. By syncing these elections with general elections, the bill could increase voter turnout, as November elections historically draw more participants than off-cycle April votes. This alignment might make it easier for citizens to engage in local governance, a cornerstone of democratic accountability.
Benefits and Limitations of SB485
Moving school board elections to November offers potential advantages. Higher voter turnout could amplify conservative voices, as general elections often energize this demographic. Greater visibility for school board races might also spotlight critical education issues, aligning with conservative priorities like parental rights and fiscal responsibility. However, this change isn’t a silver bullet. Evidence from states like North Carolina shows that partisan November elections can boost conservative wins, yet Florida’s mixed results reveal that liberals can also thrive in high-turnout settings. National trends further confirm that election timing alone doesn’t dictate outcomes—active campaigning and voter mobilization do. Thus, while SB485 creates opportunities, it doesn’t assure conservative success.
The Power of Citizen Engagement
The success of conservative candidates hinges on citizen participation, not just election scheduling. Voting, running for office, and advocating for sound policies are essential, regardless of when ballots are cast. The Founding Fathers understood this well. Thomas Jefferson declared, “We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” This underscores that governance reflects the will of those who show up. Without active involvement, even favorable reforms like SB485 fall short.
Biblical principles reinforce this call to action. Proverbs 29:2 states, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” This verse ties leadership quality to community well-being, urging believers to install righteous leaders through engagement. Similarly, Matthew 5:13 calls Christians to be “the salt of the earth,” preserving moral integrity in society—a charge that extends to local governance like school boards.
A Call to Action
ACT4MO endorses SB485 as a step toward greater electoral participation, but it’s only a starting point. The bill’s promise depends on citizens stepping up. John Adams warned, “Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people.” Knowledge and action together safeguard our values. Whether through voting or campaigning, conservatives must seize this opportunity to shape Missouri’s school boards. SB485 is a tool, but its effectiveness rests in the hands of an engaged populace.