Supporters of Oak Harbor schools will know Tuesday night if their efforts to finally pass a Memorial Stadium bond issue were successful.

Tuesday, Nov. 8, is election day, and those voters who still head to the polls will go there to participate in this year’s general election.

For most voters, the election has been in progress since absentee ballots were sent out three weeks ago. But a minority of voters still prefers the traditional trek to the polling place.

The biggest local issue facing voters this year is whether to approve a $6.5 million bond that would fund and new stadium and other athletic facilities at Oak Harbor High School.

The Island County Auditor’s Office issued 31,959 absentee, vote-by-mail ballots. As of Friday, 11,649 voters had returned their ballots, said Loann Gulick, elections officer. There are 44,158 registered voters in Island County.

There are several local races that voters will decide at the polls. One of the hospital commissioner races appears to be the most contentious this year. Incumbent Kristy Lang Miller is running for re-election against David Marshall, a political newcomer.

There are several school board races that are also contested this year. In Coupeville, incumbent Mitchell Howard competing against Cindy Van Dyk, and, in Oak Harbor, incumbent Gary Wallin is competing against Bill Burnett and Corey Johnson is competing against Brien Lillquist.

There is one contested city council race as Sheilagh Crider and Jeffrey Kelly are vying for a spot on the Oak Harbor City Council.

In other races, Incumbent TJ Lamont and Jason Lamar are vying for a seat on the North Whidbey Fire and Rescue board and Charles Niedzialkowski and Robert Wilson are competing for a seat on the North Whidbey Park and Recreation District Board.

Statewide initiatives to overturn a gas tax increase, ban smoking in public places and limit medical malpractice lawsuits have also garnered a lot of voter interest.

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

Ever wonder what happens at Oak Harbor High School? You can soon find out by tuning to Channel 21.