December 31, 2010
By Jim Tayoun

The Commonwealth's first–ever Civic Health Index reveals Pennsylvania's civic health is suffering. This comprehensive assessment is the result of a partnership between the National Conference on Citizenship and the National Constitution Center.

The report provides an annual measure of civic habits, much as the government measures economic behavior. These habits, including voting, volunteering and connectedness, are thought to predict and explain levels of participation in our democracy.

“Our societies are only as healthy as the social fabrics on which they rely,” said David B. Smith, executive director of NCoC. “By examining social interaction, we see the more citizens are informed and engaged, the more they work together to address local problems.”

Results show Pennsylvanians have fallen behind in voter registration and turnout, ranking 35th among all states in voter registration rate and 39th in voter turnout. During the historic presidential election of 2008, when record numbers of voters went to the polls, Pennsylvania actually saw a drop in voter registration, voter turnout, and voter fulfillment, falling slightly behind the national average.

A bright spot for Pennsylvania came in the area of building social cohesiveness. The index shows Pennsylvanians who are connected to families, friends, and neighbors are more likely to vote, volunteer, and participate in other civic actions. Pennsylvania ranks 20th in the nation – one of the state's highest rankings of all civic indicators – in the following categories: talking to neighbors several times each week (46.9%) and eating dinner with family several times each week (90.4%).