COUNTY LIFE

How does U.S. voter turnout compare to the world?

Published

4 years ago

11/03/2020

by Niall McCarthy, Nov 3, 2020, statista

Early voting in the U.S. has reached record levels and around 100 million votes have now been cast ahead of election day, according to the U.S. Elections Project, a nonpartisan website run by University of Florida professor Michael McDonald. That’s more than two-thirds the total number of votes cast in 2016 and it now looks highly likely that total voter turnout will be higher than the previous record set four years ago. This year’s historic trend has been driven by the coronavirus pandemic as well as surging voter enthusiasm.

As millions of Amerians prepare to cast their vote today, how does U.S. turnout compare with other countries around the world? While turnout among registered U.S. voters is traditionally high, it trails other nations when turnout is measured as a share of the voting-age population. 139 million people voted in the 2016 election when Donald Trump unexpectedly beat Hillary Clinton and turnout among the voting-age population was just under 56 percent, according to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.

That is far behind Belgium which had a high turnout of 78 percent in its most recent election. However, it must be pointed out that the country has a system of compulsory voting, consistently resulting in high turnout figures. Many countries without such a system also experience high voting volumes with Sweden a notable example with 82 percent in 2018. South Korea also had an impressive turnout of 66.5 percent in its legislative elections earlier this year.

COUNTY LIFE

First day of school is getting closer

Published

3 days ago

07/24/2024

bowienews

Summer is slowly ticking away as the first day of school nears.

First day dates
Aug 6
Gold-Burg ISD
Forestburg ISD
Aug. 7
Bowie ISD
Nocona ISD
Aug. 8
Prairie Valley ISD
Aug. 14
Saint Jo ISD
Aug. 15
Bellevue ISD

See The Bowie News Back to School section this Saturday and next Wednesday with supply lists and other details to help you plan the start of the new year.

COUNTY LIFE

Cash and Cline tribute concert a big hit

Published

3 days ago

07/24/2024

bowienews

The Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash tribute concert drew an enthusiastic crowd on July 19 at the Bowie Community Center. Performed by Lisa Irion and Bennie Wheels, the show featured many of the classic songs by both artists. (Photos by Barbara Green)

COUNTY LIFE

Get ready for July Jam this Saturday night

Published

3 days ago

07/24/2024

bowienews

For a fun night out make plans to attend the 22nd annual July Jam starting at 6 p.m. on July 27 in the Bowie Community Center West Hall
There will be a “chickin’ pickin’ fiddling fun time” as guests will be entertained by amazing fiddling tunes and enjoy a chicken meal.
Tickets are just $15 with the event starting at 6 p.m. The funds raised help provide awards for the championship fiddler competition during the Oct. 5 Chicken and Bread Days Heritage Festival. The contest attracts talented musicians from all over to visit downtown Bowie to test their fiddling skills.
The event, hosted by Bowie Community Development, will feature a unique array of items up for bid in the silent auction plus a wide variety of homemade jams.
Hosted in conjunction with July Jam is the July Jam Poker Cruise presented by the Piston Heads Auto Club. This event starts at 9 a.m. with a $5 per hand entry and is open to anything with a motor.
The 60-mile cruise with three stops starts in Bowie Plaza and ends in the same location. Half of the proceeds goes to the winning hand with $5 charge for each extra card for hand. Buy as many as each driver would like. The other half of the funds raised goes towards the July Jam fundraising event.