NCoC: Floridians flunk civics test

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Floridians flunk civics test

October 24, 2008

Those who become involved will be people who will set the direction for their neighborhoods, cities, regions, states and nation.

Editorial: Floridians flunk civics test

A first-of-its-kind study shows Florida citizens fail to get involved in communities

Friday, October 24, 2008

The long lines for early voting in Florida for the presidential election testify to heightened interest in the race and a desire for residents to be directly involved in the outcome.

With some predicting an overall turnout as high as 85 percent, the state could be setting records for turnout percentage and number of voters.

Before early voting, which started this week, Florida Secretary of State Kurt Browning said, "Somehow or another we've got this whole idea that if we have to wait in line at a polling place, something is wrong. Lines are a sign of a healthy democracy and we are expecting those lines."

That sign of a "healthy democracy" is rare in the state, as a report released this week indicates. The first study on civic health in Florida, conducted by the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship and the National Conference on Citizenship, ranked the state 47th in the nation for rates of voting, volunteerism and attendance at public meetings.

That is lousy and reflects not only a lack of active democracy, but a failure of community. Without a sense of belonging and working together to achieve goals, communities can erode and collapse.

The Treasure Coast and the rest of Florida can do better and must do better.

The Florida Joint Center for Citizenship is a partnership between the Lou Frey Institute of Politics and Government at the University of Central Florida and the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida.

Since retiring from the U.S. Senate, Graham has been a leading supporter of civic education and involvement in the state.

"This democracy that we have is a marvel of the world and it depends on each generation accepting its responsibility for its nurturing and expansion," Graham told the Associated Press upon release of the dismal report this week.

David B. Smith, executive director of the National Conference on Citizenship, has a similar view.

"People are passionate about this election," he said. "They are going to show up in high numbers. The largest question is how do we keep that energy alive the day after the elections?"

Indeed.

There is some reason for optimism. Many of those voting this year are young people and first-time voters. By participating in the process and seeing the difference they can make, they may want to become involved in meetings at city hall, in nonprofit organizations, in building stronger communities from the grass roots up.

And, they must be encouraged to do so by educators, political parties and the media.

Those who become involved will be people who will set the direction for their neighborhoods, cities, regions, states and nation. That should be a strong incentive. Those who sit back will be the followers while those who step out will be the leaders — regardless of their intelligence, wealth or backgrounds. That's how America works. That's how it became strong and can become stronger.

SICK CIVICS?

• Average voter turnout, 2002-2006: 32nd

• Percentage of citizens who work with their neighbors to solve community problems: 40th

• Citizens who attend public meetings: 47th

• Average rate of volunteering: 49th

Florida Joint Center for Citizenship and the National Conference on Citizenship

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