Two unions are fighting for votes from Springfield teachers, counselors and librarians. Tuesday night those workers decided they want one representative to bargain with the school district for their salaries, benefits and more. The majority chose exclusive representation to collective bargain. Of 1,796 employees eligible to vote, 574 voted for exclusive representation, 404 voted for multiple representation and 18 voted for no representation.

Two teacher associations will vie for the same majority vote. Teachers will decide which one will bargain best for their futures. "Exclusive representation got 58% -- that's a clear majority,” Springfield National Education Association President Ray Smith says. “That's all we needed. We hope they choose Springfield NEA." Springfield Missouri Teachers Association President Glenda Thurlkill hoped for multiple representation. "We didn't exactly get what the results we wanted," Thurlkill says. "Now we'll tell them MSTA will be the best choice."

There can only be one winner. Both associations are quietly campaigning. There aren't any flashy campaign signs or commercials -- just handwritten mailers and typed flyers. Both associations saying they’ll run tame campaigns.

MSTA members often view the association as more conservative. "I do think it will play a factor," Thurlkill says. "MSTA focuses on local and state issues. The SNEA also focuses on social issues on the national level."

SNEA members say their association is more than a rubber stamp for school district administration. "The SNEA has fought for collective bargaining,” Smith says. “MSTA has never shown an interest in doing that and has not done that before."

Both associations agree -- if bargaining improves working conditions, learning conditions improve too. No matter what group wins, Smith says teachers are not required to pay dues, fees or drop their affiliation with the other group. The next election date is up in the air. If no one objects to Tuesday night's results within the next 10 days,  the school board will set the next election date.