The margin for error among this group is 5 percent. This survey s results are provided free of charge. The upcoming election on the School Governance Charter Amendment Act of 2000, set for June 27 th , is looking like a nail-biter, with the outcome hinging on voter turnout. The changes to the composition of the school board may seem esoteric to an outside observer, but they are proving to be polarizing for District of Columbia voters. There is a stark contrast in attitudes toward the proposed Charter Amendment by age.
Older voters show up at the polls in much greater numbers than do younger ones.
Advocates of the proposed amendment, who enjoy high-profile institutional support for the changes to the charter, have a chance to work their will, but will face determined opponents who appear to be more highly motivated to turn out at the polls on June 27 th . Compounding the difficulties faced by amendment advocates will be recent revelations surrounding improper fundraising and use of city resources for campaign activities. And Mayor Anthony Williams was cited Friday by the Board of Ethics for violating District personnel regulations in using public employees and equipment to campaign for the school board charter amendment. To at least some extent, voter perception of an area s most important issue will reflect the matters being addressed by elected officials and the media at the time a survey is taken. In that regard, reducing Baltimore s murder rate and shutting down its notorious drugs corners are the top priorities of its new mayor, Martin O Malley.