NARRAGANSETT — Even with a hot U.S. Senate race, a casino ballot question and crowded local races, many residents said yesterday that the local ballot question seeking money to repair the town’s schools was a key reason for coming out to vote.

According to state Board of Elections results, the question passed hands down, taking more than 75 percent of the vote, with 10 of 11 precincts reporting.

The plan will provide $21.5 million for repairs and upgrades at Narragansett’s three public schools. Design is expected to start next month, followed by construction from May 2007 to September 2008.

Narragansett voters also approved a second local question that allows mixed-use commercial/residential properties to be taxed according to how they are used. Until now, mixed-use residential/commercial properties have been taxed at the commercial rate, which is 1.5 times the residential rate.