2008 Pennsylvania Average 27.1%
2008 National Average 26.3%
Pennsylvanians are actively engaged citizens in many ways other than voting (non–electoral political acts). The Census Current Population Survey asks if in the last year people have contacted or visited with a public official, attended a public meeting about political issues, bought or boycotted a product for political reasons, taken part in a political march, rally or demonstration, and/or given time or money to a candidate or party. Pennsylvania ranks 31st in the nation in this indicator, slightly higher than the national average by .8%.

Opportunities for Growth
Pennsylvanians are people of action. They attended a rally or protest, bought or boycotted a product or service, and contacted their public ofcials at a rate higher than that of the national average. This indicates that they vote not only at the ballot box but with their dollars and their time. This suggests that Pennsylvanians can grow in the areas of civic engagement where they fall behind the rest of the nation:
• Pennsylvanians are only slightly behind the national average (14.8%) in giving time or money to a political candidate (13.5%).
• Despite the fact that 36.7% of Pennsylvanians report belonging to a group, only 8.9% of people reported attending a meeting where local issues were discussed. This illustrates Pennsylvanians aptitude for relating to one another but failing to make the extension from issues that directly affect them to issues that affect the entire community.

If Pennsylvanians are willing to use their wallets to express their political voice when buying or boycotting a product or service, it suggests that they may also use their dollars to support a candidate that shares their political views. This applies as well as to attending a meeting where political issues are discussed. If Pennsylvanians feel comfortable contacting their public ofcials, it is likely they would attend more meetings where political issues are discussed if given the opportunity and information.