School districts throughout St. Lawrence County hold budget votes and school board elections Tuesday.

This is the first year that districts are contending with state government's attempt to keep property taxes down, the so-called "two-percent property tax cap." In practice, the rule includes several exceptions and exemptions allowing districts to exceed the often-cited two-percent tax levy increase limit.

Schools have been struggling to keep spending down with serious cuts in personnel and programs. Some are putting off maintenance and purchases of new buses.

School boards are in some turmoil too, as incumbents face challengers that might be more appealing to voters, but voters are split over the issue of cuts versus taxes.

Generally, residents of a school district for more than 30 days are eligible to vote.