Douglas School Board officials were correct to bemoan the turnout of their June 17 election in which a mere 124 people cast ballots. No respectable public servant could be anything but discouraged by such a miniscule number.

But, if the officials really want to do something about how to better get out the vote, they have to put their money where their mouth is.

The battle against voter apathy has been in full force now for decades as an increase in two-income families, a more transient population and a general distrust of politicians and elected officials at all levels has eroded a once strong voter base to a level where 50 percent, in many elections, seems like a great turnout.

If Americans were given a grade on democracy, their 50 percent would land them firmly in F-minus territory at any reputable school.

It is certain that the Douglas School Board faces many of these challenges. More than most other schools, Douglas sees a persistent trend of students coming and going with a large population of Air Force families enrolled. By their very nature, they have less history, fewer connections and generally less interest in the long-term sustainability of the school than many South Dakotans who will send their children to only one school for the student's entire academic career.

Meanwhile, the majority of families that send their kids to Douglas are hard-working, two-income families. Many parents have to work multiple jobs simply to stay afloat, thus sapping energy and time that they can spend following their student's day- to-day affairs.

But let's skip the excuses. Parents need to be involved in academic careers, and one of the simplest and most direct ways to do this is by voting in school board elections.

School board members buck that trend by simply putting their name on the ballot. Because of that, they are more likely to misunderstand folks' lack of involvement with the school and throw their hands up in befuddled frustration at results such as the June 17 turnout.

To which we say: Put down your hands and put on your thinking caps.

Blaming voters for poor voter turnout isn't going to increase the numbers.

Something that certainly will help is moving the election date to coincide with the June primaries when state and national elections are held.

Combined with better advertising, working more closely with parental groups and a consistent advertising efforts leading up to the election - which could include such features as debates and/or forums highlight key issues the district faces consistently.

Certainly, that means more work and change, but democracy deserves it, and so do voters.