The Portsmouth school budget referendum has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 5, according to a posting this afternoon on the Save Our Schools web site. Absentee ballots will be available from September 15.

SOS organizer Dave Croston reminded students who are still registered here in Portsmouth to stop by Town Hall. "Students should visit the Canvassers Office before they head-out for school and sign-up to receive an absentee ballot. Emergency ballots will also be available up to the election."

According to an e-mail from Croston, the final tally of signatures validated by the Canvasser's office was 1,871.

Thanks again to all the volunteers who made this happen, and to everyone who signed.