Voter turnout across South Dakota topped 34% this week, much higher than the primary election two years ago.
And while most Americans know it's among their civic responsibilities to be informed and vote, a lot of people are checking out of both.
Organizers of a series of free, nonpartisan community gatherings hope to change that and increase engagement this election year, with stops Monday in Watertown, later this month in Sioux Falls and in August at Custer State Park.
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, the interactive presentations delve into the role civics and communications organizations – from Revolutionary War papers to podcasters – have played in the nation's history. That includes the separation of powers among the branches of government and the system of checks and balances, the various civic duties and responsibilities of being an American, and how to find trusted sources of news and information.
The hourlong sessions, titled "250+ Years of American Civics and News," have received positive audience feedback in Yankton, Rapid City, Pierre, Brookings and Vermillion. Here details on upcoming stops:
- Watertown, Monday, June 8 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. CT, Watertown Regional Library, 160 6th St. NE: Jon Ruff, assistant professor of political science in SDSU's School of American and Global Studies, and Carson Walker, CEO of South Dakota News Watch, will lead the discussion.
- Sioux Falls, Tuesday, June 30 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. CT, Downtown Library, 200 N. Dakota Ave.
- Custer State Park, Sunday, Aug. 9 – Kathy Johnson, president of the League of Women Voters of South Dakota, and Walker, will lead the presentation at the Black Hills Playhouse (24834 S. Playhouse Road) immediately after the 2 p.m. MT matinee of the fourth play of the season, "What the Constitution Means to Me." News Watch is the title sponsor of the play, so please indicate you'd like to be seated with other supporters when ordering tickets and stay for a social time afterward.
The series is sponsored by News Watch, SDPB, the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota, the Mike Huether Public Service Academy at South Dakota State University and the League of Women Voters of South Dakota.
Carson Walker
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