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WHY VOTE YES?
Protect what makes Carmel schools exceptional.
Carmel Clay Schools are among the best in Indiana. Voting Yes continues our community's investment in the teachers, manageable class sizes, academic opportunities, and safe schools that help Carmel students succeed.
Our community has worked hard to build exceptional schools, and this referendum ensures we keep them strong. It protects our existing programs and staff against state revenue reductions that threaten our local funding.
WHAT DOES YOUR YES VOTE PROTECT?
Strong programs and opportunities
Recruiting and retaining quality staff
Individual attention and support
School Resource Officers and student well-being
Property values and a thriving community
#1
ILEARN, ELA, & MATH IN INDIANA
2,300+ students enrolled in dual-credit courses, 35 career pathways, K–8 STEM instruction, and 81% of CHS students taking at least one Polytechnic course.
TOP 2%
IN THE
NATION
95.5%
IREAD PASS RATE
49
DUAL CREDIT COURSES
Carmel Clay Schools are recognized among Indiana's top-performing school districts, with outstanding achievement in academics, college preparation, career pathways, STEM, the arts and athletics. A Yes vote helps protect the programs, opportunities, and people behind that success.
PROTECT TEACHERS. PROTECT CLASS SIZES.
Great schools begin in the classroom.
The referendum helps Carmel Clay Schools retain outstanding teachers and staff while keeping class sizes manageable — so students receive the attention, support, and opportunities they need to succeed.
1,100
CERTIFIED STAFF
CCS serves roughly 16,000 students and employs approximately 2,400 people, including 1,100 certified staff.
SAFE SCHOOLS. SUPPORTED STUDENTS.
Every student deserves to feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Every student deserves to feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Referendum funding supports School Resource Officers and student safety and well-being — helping schools respond quickly in emergencies while providing the trained staff and support students need every day.
STRONG SCHOOLS STRENGTHEN CARMEL
Great schools benefit the entire community.
Strong Carmel Clay Schools serve about 95% of local students and play a huge role in the city's success. High-performing schools help protect home values, attract new businesses, and boost the local economy. A strong school district improves the quality of life for everyone in Carmel.
This impact was recently recognized when Carmel Clay Schools won the 2026 Honors Award from the OneZone Chamber of Commerce. The award celebrates over 30 years of partnership and highlights the district's work in training future leaders. By working alongside local businesses, the schools keep Carmel a great place to live and work.
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The district itself describes strong schools as a primary economic driver for Carmel and notes that CCS serves about 95% of school-aged children in the community.
WHY IS A REFERENDUM NEEDED NOW?
State law changed the equation.
Recent changes to Indiana property tax law reduce the tax base and local revenue for Carmel Clay Schools. At the same time, costs for teachers, transportation, safety, facilities, and student services continue to rise.
Without updated referendum funding, maintaining the programs and services that Carmel families and residents expect becomes increasingly difficult.
Recent changes to Indiana property-tax law reduce the tax base and local revenue available to Carmel Clay Schools.
At the same time, costs for teachers, transportation, safety, facilities and student services continue. Without updated referendum funding, maintaining the programs and services Carmel families and residents expect becomes increasingly difficult.
CONTINUE CARMEL'S INVESTMENT
2010
Operating referendum Approved
2017
Renewed
Raised from .16 to .19
2019
School Safety Referendum Approved
2023
2026
Operating Referendum
Renewed
Vote Yes to continue Carmel's investment
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Share accurate information with friends and neighbors, go door-to-door, write postcards or make calls, and participate in community events.
Your voice matters. Carmel has strong schools and a community that values the opportunities they provide our students. When parents, staff, alumni, and community members work together, we can make sure voters understand what is at stake and what the referendum means for our schools.
Please sign up to be part of this effort.
YARD SIGN REQUEST
FAQs
WHERE TO VOTE
Hamilton County voters may cast an early ballot at any early voting location in the country.
On Election Day, use your assigned polling place.
IMPORTANT DATES
EARLY VOTING BEGINS
OCTOBER 6, 2026
EARLY VOTING ENDS
NOVEMBER 2 - 12:00 PM
MAIL BALLOT REQUEST
OCTOBER 22 - 11:59 PM
2026 GENERAL ELECTION
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3
EARLY VOTING BEGINS
OCT. 6
Tuesday
EARLY VOTING ENDS
NOV. 2
Noon Deadline
MAIL BALLOT REQUEST
OCT. 22
11:59 PM
ELECTION DAY
NOV. 3
6 AM - 6 PM
PUBLIC QUESTION #1
State Constitutional Question
Only registered voters residing in the Carmel Clay School District see Public Question #3 on their ballot.
Indiana voters will see two statewide constitutional questions. Voters within Carmel Clay School Corporation boundaries will see the local operating referendum question.
KNOW YOUR BALLOT
PUBLIC QUESTION #2
State Constitutional Question
PUBLIC QUESTION #3
Carmel Clay School Corporation Operating Referendum
VOTE EARLY
Hamilton County County voters may cast their ballot at any early voting location in the county. All voting machines are programmed with precinct-specific ballots, so you can vote early wherever it’s most convenient.
Select locations to see voting times.
ABSENTEE VOTING
BY MAIL
The Hamilton County Election Board is currently accepting absentee-by-mail applications.
Request Deadline
Monday, October 26, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Completed Ballots Must Be Received By
Tuesday, November 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Visit IndianaVoters.com to request your absentee ballot.
ELECTION DAY
On Election Day — Tuesday, November 3, 2025, the Hamilton County Election Board plans to operate polling places throughout Carmel.
Voting is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
You must vote at your assigned polling place on Election Day.
Find your polling location using the steps below. Once located, you’ll be able to view your polling place, sample ballot, and more.
2
SELECT
"Find My Polling Place"
3
ENTER YOUR
- Full Legal Name
- Birthdate
- County of Residence
Be sure to enter your name exactly as it appears on your voter registration.
For example, entering “Sam” instead of “Samuel” may result in no search results.
Need help? Visit our [Contact Page] and include your name and address. A team member will respond with your polling information.
DONATE
Your contribution supports the independent Friends of Carmel Schools campaign, including this website, yard signs, printed materials, digital communication, and voter outreach. Campaign expenses are paid for with private contributions, not school district funds.