VOTER CHARACTERISTICS AND SUPPORT FOR LOCAL SCHOOL TAXES - URBAN-POLITICS AND POLICY IN ELECTIONS IN A LOUISIANA PARISH

This study examined local politics, economics, and other factors contr ibuting to the results of 1987 and 1992 tax elections in a Louisiana c ity-parish. The purpose of the study was to explain conditions of vote r support for millages to fund educational and community enhancement p rograms in the city of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge parish. The re search design was to employ separate examinations of tax referenda on parish election ballots in 1987 and 1992. Urban voters appreciated dis tinctions among tax and expenditure referenda. Developmental policies were favored by voters in all precincts. Redistributive policies were preferred in precincts with high percentages of Black and normal Democ ratic voters, such as those located in the inner city.