Pennsylvanians talk frequently…but not about politics Pennsylvanians score high on joining community groups, but low on political participation

March 15, 2012

Philadelphia, PA (March 15, 2012) – As Pennsylvania’s pivotal primary election nears, a new Census–based report reveals that Pennsylvania citizens are less politically engaged than citizens in other parts of the country. Released today by the National Constitution Center, the state’s second annual Civic Health Index ranks Pennsylvania last in the nation in the percentage of citizens who talk frequently about politics with friends and family.

The Pennsylvania Civic Health Index was produced in partnership between NCoC (the National Conference on Citizenship), the National Constitution Center and the Center for Democratic Deliberation at the Pennsylvania State University. The comprehensive report provides a measure of civic habits such as voting, volunteering, community connectedness and many other indicators, which can collectively capture different levels of participation in our democracy. The report combines these individual measures of civic health into three composite measures: political action, social connectedness and public work (i.e. attending meetings and working with neighbors to fix community problems). The report was authored by Professor J. Michael Hogan and Mark Hlavacik of Pennsylvania State University.

“The Pennsylvania Civic Health Index highlights the strong fabric of community and family life across the state, but also shines light on the need to provide more meaningful pathways to civic participation in the public square,” says David B. Smith, Executive Director of NCoC.

Pennsylvania ranked in the lowest third of states in virtually all measures of political action in this year’s assessment. One indicator of civic health where Pennsylvania showed a deep decline: the frequency with which citizens discuss politics with their family and friends. Only 20.9% of Pennsylvanians talked frequently about politics in 2010, ranking 50th in the nation. This is down significantly from 34.7% in last year’s report.

In addition, Pennsylvania lags behind the rest of the nation’s voter turnout rate, a trend that has held true in most of the last ten presidential elections. The Commonwealth also falls behind in voter registration rates.

Indicator: PA
Discussing politics 20.9% (PA) 26.0% (National) 50th (Ranking)
Voter turnout 43.9% (PA) 45.5% (National) 35th (Ranking)
Voter registration 64.6% (PA) 65.1% (National) 33rd (Ranking)

Other interesting findings show that:
–African Americans are the most politically engaged group throughout the Commonwealth, with 64% reporting at least one political action.

–68% of Pennsylvanians over age 65 report at least one political action, as compared to less than one third of Pennsylvanians ages 18–24.

–Education is the best predictor of political action in Pennsylvania, with 79% of college graduates engaging in at least one political act, as compared to only 36% of adults without high school diplomas.

On measures of social connectedness and public work, Pennsylvania saw much better results. Though Pennsylvanians are reluctant to talk about politics with family and friends, 45.4% of residents (compared to 42.3% nationally) talk frequently with neighbors about other subjects, ranking 15th in the nation. Despite low rates of political participation, Pennsylvania ranked 17th in the nation on group participation, with 37.1% of residents (compared to 33.3% nationally) belonging to or participating in some sort of community organization.

“As the birthplace of America’s democracy, Pennsylvania has an unparalleled tradition of civic leadership,” said Governor Tom Corbett. “The Civic Health Index reminds us of our roots and challenges us to heed the call of active citizenship today. Our democracy works best when Pennsylvanians stay informed and involved.”

“This year’s Civic Health Index calls for more attention to political engagement by all Pennsylvanians during a pivotal election year,” said National Constitution Center President and CEO David Eisner. “As the National Constitution Center joins the nation in commemorating the 225th anniversary of the Constitution, this report challenges all Americans to build on our strengths and find new ways of inspiring active citizenship. Here at the Center, we will continue to educate and empower citizens to engage in our democracy.”