Voters headed to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots on school budgets and school board members.

The Lakeland Central School District has one of the most contested school board races in the Hudson Valley with 12 candidates running for just four seats on the school board.

MORE: Large crowd gathers at Lakeland's BOE meeting after racist insults, alleged threats at last meeting

The race is heated because there were racist insults and threats at a school board meeting in February. That meeting was supposed to be about the proposed budget, but many speakers chose to speak out against masks and what they called "illegal" children in school.

Some of the audience members were part of the group "Save Our Schools," which is against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives in school.

That's one of the culture war issues on the ballot today in several districts along with how to teach about LGBTQ issues and district COVID-19 policies.

"More academics than politics. That's what we're for. They've got plenty of time for politics," says William and Geraldine Ofrias, grandparents

"I think a lot of times, people call things politics because it makes them feel uncomfortable and it's a way to get around talking about issues that exist," says Adriana Estrada, parent.

Also up for vote today in Lakewood is a $175.7 million budget, which would mean a 2% tax increase for property owners in the district.

You'll be able to find the results of school budget votes on News12.com after 9 p.m.