Democracy
Our democracy thrives when people participate in community processes and engage with elected representatives.
What are we seeing?
Voter participation rates in 2020 decreased overall.
The overall neighbor participation rate continued to decrease from 2017 to 2020, with people of color (POC) participation rate declining at an even greater rate than the white population’s, signaling reduced sense of belonging.
People contacting public officials declined among the white and people of color population but increased overall. This can be accounted for by an increase in Asian, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Hispanic participation rates, signaling increased civic engagement.
Voter Participation Rate
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<Percentage of population in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Metropolitan Area that voted in local elections sometimes or always.>
Why is this metric important? Broader participation in elections results in more representative government, policies that reflect the will of the region's residents, and promotes greater civic engagement.
Source: National Conference on Citizenship | Civic Health Index
Year: 2021
Neighbor Participation Rate
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<Percentage of population in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Metropolitan Area that did something positive for their neighborhood or the community.>
Why is this metric important? Connection with neighbors increases an individual's sense of belonging and builds civic engagement. Communities that are more connected are more resilient to change.
Source: National Conference on Citizenship | Civic Health Index
Year: 2021
Contacted Public Official
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<Percentage of population in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Metropolitan Area that contacted or visited a public official.>
Why is this metric important? Accessing power to share perspectives or try to influence policy are critical elements of well-functioning democratic practices.
Source: National Conference on Citizenship | Civic Health Index
Year: 2021