COUNTY LIFE
How does U.S. voter turnout compare to the world?
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.
Bellevue and Prairie Valley High School seniors will be first up on the stage this week as graduation ceremonies begin for Montague County area schools.
Bellevue High School
Bellevue seniors will graduate at 7 p.m. on May 16 in the school auditorium. Athletic Director Colby Broussard will be the program speaker. There also will be a mantle and rose ceremony.
Honor graduates are Cirstin Allen, Mason Criswell, Jayson Gill, Sarah Hamilton, Avrie Perry, Kason Roper, Richard Smith, Chesney Stanley and Mary Elise Stegerwald. Students listed alphabetically not by class order.
Mason Criswell, the 18-year-old son of T.J. and Stephanie Criswell, will be the senior class valedictorian. Cirstin Allen, the 18-year-old daughter of Jacqueline Allen and Donnie Leatherwood, is class salutatorian.
Prairie Valley High School
The Bulldogs will host graduation ceremonies at 7 p.m. in the gym. The program will include scholarship recognitions, and eighth grade graduation as part of the ceremony. Board President Scott Carpenter will present diplomas. Honor graduates are Tyson Easterling, Makaylee Gomez and Maddy Yeargin.
Tyson Easterling is valedictorian and Makaylee Gomez is salutatorian.
Meet these top graduates in your mid-week Bowie News.
The Gold-Burg Bears ended their one-act play season as a top eight state finalist Monday, and while they didn’t take a medal, Director Linda Fitzner said it was a “phenomenal” experience.
“Interview,” was Gold-Burg High School’s entry into the state University Interscholastic League contest as they joined eight other 1A plays that worked their way to state.
It was a huge jump for the small school’s cast and crew to perform at the Austin Independent School District Performing Arts Center, coming from rehearsals in the school gym.
Levi Hellinger made the All Star cast and Corbin Gilbert received Honorable Mention All Star Cast.
“It’s was a beautiful and phenomental experience,” said Fitzner. “We are thankful to all those who share their kindness, love and support, because this was a beautiful and wonderful dream and experience for all.”
Guthrie High School won first, Benjamin was second and Avery third. The rest of the group received state finalist plaques. Critiques were on Tuesday.
Enjoy a summer kick-off event benefitting Hannah Reyling of Saint Jo from noon to 4 p.m.. on June 8 at Boggess Park.
A 21-year-old graduate of Saint Jo High School and student at Tarleton State University, she is the daughter of Chris and Paulette Reyling. She is battling bacterial meningitis and has undergone some life-changing surgeries.
All proceeds will go to her recovery, rehabilitation and prosthetics.
For the event there will be waterslides, water balloons, slip-N-slide, kickball, fire truck hose spray and more. One wristband at $20 will get you access to all the activities, as well as one meal including a hot dog, chips and a drink. Snow cones also will be available for sale.
Live music by Tyler Cook to follow.
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