Here is dessert for those who enjoy plunging deeply into the data of last week’s School Board election, probing for reasons their favorite candidates succeeded.
In 2009, there were 24,559 registered voters.
There were 4,746 ballots cast in 2009 for a 19.32 percent turnout.
There was a possible total of 14,238 votes to be cast.
But only 10,531 votes were actually cast – 73.97 percent.
This means 3,707 votes were withheld – 26.03 percent.
In 2011 there were 24,617 registered voters.
There were 3,810 ballots cast in 2011 for a 15.48 percent turnout.
There was a possible total of 7,620 votes to be cast.
But only 6,417 votes were actually cast – 84.21 percent.
This means 1,203 votes were withheld –15.78 percent.
In 2013, there were 26,378 registered voters.
There were 4,018 ballots cast for a 15.32 percent turnout.
There was a possible total of 12,054 votes to be cast.
But 10,205 votes were actually cast –84.66 percent.
This means 1,849 votes were withheld – 15.34 percent.
Though 326 fewer voters showed up at last week’s polls, a lower percentage of registered voters turned out than four years ago. This smaller group cast a larger percentage of votes at the ballot box and withheld 50 percent fewer actual votes than in 2009, 1,849 to 3,707.
Mr. Laase may be contacted at GMLaase@aol.com
