Unfortunately, the majority of citizens in this country no longer place much importance on elections, believing that their voice and ballot make little difference in the outcome. So when a city, county or state holds a special election or when a November election occurs during a presidential election off-year, interest in exercising this awesome constitutional right usually is lacking, resulting in a meager turnout at the polling booths.

But one of the great things about the democratic process is there is always another election and another opportunity to cast a vote for a candidate, proposition or bond measure. And this year is no different, with a special school parcel tax election right around the corner on June 3.

The parcel tax labeled as Measure A affects all San Jose citizens. The San Jose Unified School District is asking residents of San Jose to help the district overcome a $6.2 million annual funding deficit with a tax for the next five years. The district's funding problem was triggered by the state's overall $35 billion budget shortfall. So the district is hoping that the measure will pass, but it will require a two-thirds majority vote by San Jose citizens. And if the measure does pass, it will enable the district to assess each single-family property owner $98 annually. For property owners who own multifamily dwellings, the assessment will be $40 per unit, with a cap of $980 on the amount. But there is also a two percent inflation factor calculated into the measure, which means the initial dollar amounts can increase annually by two percent per year during the five-year period that the measure is in effect.

Now some wealthy communities like Los Gatos have been able to go straight to their citizens and solicit the necessary funding. The Los Gatos Union School District was able to raise $1 million and save teachers from being laid off. But this is an affluent community in which residents can reach into their wallets when an emergency warrants it. It's also a small town with a small school district, with only an estimated 2,700 stundents, compared to San Jose unified school district's 32,000 plus student, which is the second largest in the state; only Los Angeles has a larger one.

But that doesn't mean that San Jose citizens should throw their hands up in the air or think there is little they can do, that it's a done deal or that the measure will fail.

This is where the power of the vote comes in. Whether you think the schools should get the money or they shouldn't get the money, you need to be proactive and head over to your polling station on June 3, cast your vote and let the district know how you feel.

Measure A only pertains to the citizens of San Jose, and the outcome is completely in your hands. If you agree with the district and believe the schools need help because the state screwed up and mismanaged its budget, then make your voice heard by voting for the measure. But if you think the district should look for other ways to solve the deficit problem and are tired of bailing it out, then don't whine over the possibility of an added tax on your annual property bill—go to the polls and vote.

Too often people are quick to speak about what they like or dislike about a system but slow to make any effort to change it. Well, here is a perfect opportunity to make a difference. Don't just look at your ballot and mumble to yourself, "Well, maybe I'll find the time and go this year and vote."

Make the time and make a decision. If more than 60 percent of San Jose's population of approximately 918,000 voted, it would mean that more than a half-million people stepped up and decided what the district should do. That would be a significant demonstration of choice and individual power, and a true representation of the San Jose community.

So when next Tuesday rolls around, let's hope the polling stations are busy. Because if you don't go and exercise one of your most important rights, then you have nothing to complain about when the votes are in. And while you are at it, go knock on your neighbor's door and encourage him or her to vote, too.

Because no matter which side of the fence you are on, make sure you get off of it and exercise your constitutional right to choose.

Moryt Milo is the editor of The Willow Glen Resident. She can be contacted at 400.200.1051 or mmilo@svcn.com.