Despite growing polarization and disengagement in U.S. politics, the state of civic health in Maine is generally strong, according to a report from Colby College’s Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs, Public Engagement Partners, and the Maine Community Foundation.

The new study, which analyzed census data and also draws on a recent original survey of over 1,000 Maine residents, gauges the state’s civic health in in eight areas: trust in government and each other; feelings of belonging and mattering; perceptions of community climate; the state of civic knowledge; voting; volunteering; civic awareness and participation, and, finally, hope for the future. As Election Day approaches, this research offers opportunities to understand what is on the mind of Mainers, how they understand their democracy, and the hopes they have for the future of their state.

Specific findings and highlights from the report, which offer a window into residents' attitudes toward government can help inform important future policy decisions and community action in Maine. The full report will be made available immediately following the presentation. We hope you can join us!

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