Reinforcing American Institutions: Why Americans Should Trust Media and the Judiciary

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REINFORCING AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS: WHY AMERICANS SHOULD TRUST MEDIA AND THE JUDICIARY

Sponsor: Office of the Kentucky Secretary of State CLE Credit: 1.0 Thursday, June 22, 2017 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. East Ballroom A-B Owensboro Convention Center Owensboro, Kentucky

A NOTE CONCERNING THE PROGRAM MATERIALS

The materials included in this Kentucky Bar Association Continuing Legal Education handbook are intended to provide current and accurate information about the subject matter covered. No representation or warranty is made concerning the application of the legal or other principles discussed by the instructors to any specific fact situation, nor is any prediction made concerning how any particular judge or jury will interpret or apply such principles. The proper interpretation or application of the principles discussed is a matter for the considered judgment of the individual legal practitioner. The faculty and staff of this Kentucky Bar Association CLE program disclaim liability therefore. Attorneys using these materials, or information otherwise conveyed during the program, in dealing with a specific legal matter have a duty to research original and current sources of authority.

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Kentucky Bar Association TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Presenters ...... i

2016 Kentucky Civic Health Index ...... 1

Introduction and Comparison ...... 5

New Indicators: Confidence in Public Institutions ...... 7

A Focus on Political Engagement ...... 8

Moving Forward ...... 11

Conclusion ...... 12

Endnotes ...... 13

THE PRESENTERS

Krystal Ball Pelican Media 239 Haldeman Avenue Louisville, Kentucky 40206 (540) 841-3801 [email protected]

KRYSTAL BALL is an author, activist and Senior Fellow at the New Leaders Council. She was central to Glamour magazine's political coverage where she highlighted political issues of particular importance to women. For the previous three years, Ms. Ball co- hosted MSNBC's topical news, politics and culture daily program, The Cycle. While at MSNBC she also developed and co-produced Krystal Clear (KC), a flagship feature of MSNBC's all digital channel Shift, and anchored live stream coverage of special events like the 2014 mid-term elections and the 2015 State of the Union. Ms. Ball was also a candidate for the United States Congress in Virginia's first congressional district in the 2010 election. She is the author of the recently published book, Reversing the Apocalypse: Hijacking the Democratic Party to Save the World.

Judge Jennifer B. Coffman, Ret. 358 South Mill Street Lexington, Kentucky 40508 [email protected]

Judge Jennifer B. Coffman was appointed as United States District Judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky on October 22, 1993, and elevated to Chief Judge of the Eastern District of Kentucky on October 15, 2007. The first female to hold either of those positions within the Commonwealth of Kentucky, she retired from the federal district bench on January 9, 2013. Judge Coffman was appointed in 2011 to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which oversees requests by the United States national security community for surveillance of suspected foreign intelligence agents. She also retired from this position in January, 2013. Currently she is an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Kentucky College of Law, where she directs the Judicial Externship Program, facilitates a Visiting Judge initiative, and assists with philanthropic efforts. Prior to her federal judicial appointment, Judge Coffman was a trial lawyer whose practice focused on the areas of education, employment and Constitutional law. She received her B.A. and M.S. from the University of Kentucky and her J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Judge Coffman was in the inaugural class of the UK College of Law Alumni Hall of Fame in 1996 and was named outstanding Alumnus by the UK College of Communications in 2013-14. In 2015 she was inducted into the University of Kentucky Hall of Distinguished Alumni.

i Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes 700 Capital Avenue, Suite 152 Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 (502) 564-3490

SECRETARY OF STATE ALISON LUNDERGAN GRIMES is Kentucky's 76th Secretary of State and youngest Secretary of State in the country. Secretary Grimes has never backed away from a challenge because of her deep conviction for standing up for what is right. Her lifelong passion is to give a voice to the voiceless. She learned the value of public service at an early age by helping to take people to the polls on election day and by volunteering with her family, including distributing Thanksgiving dinners to the homeless. Before beginning her career in public service, Secretary Grimes provided free legal help to victims of domestic violence. As a successful business attorney, she helped businesses open and expand, allowing them to create jobs and foster economic growth. Secretary Grimes has always worked to increase opportunities for every Kentuckian. As Secretary of State, Grimes has helped modernize and streamline government services to make sure Kentucky’s doors are truly open for small businesses. Her efforts, which include a nationally-recognized one-stop business portal, are helping businesses spend less time interacting with government and more time creating jobs and giving back to their communities. More than 150,000 new businesses have been started under Secretary Grimes' administration. Secretary Grimes has worked tirelessly to break down barriers to the ballot box. She implemented online voter registration for every Kentuckian and has ushered in historic new laws that protect the voting rights of victims of domestic violence and absentee voters. Her efforts have maintained the integrity of elections and saved counties thousands of dollars. She has been a steadfast advocate for the restoration of voting rights for Kentucky’s non-violent felons who have served their sentences and paid their debts to society. Notably, Secretary Grimes' recommendations for improving the state’s military voting procedures were signed into law as Kentucky’s first-ever Military Heroes Voting Initiative, ensuring that military members can receive their ballots electronically and have sufficient time to vote. Secretary Grimes received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, where she served as a trustee to the Board of Directors. She obtained her law degree, graduating with honors, from American University, Washington College of Law, in Washington, DC.

ii Terry Meiners WHAS Radio and Television 4000 Radio Drive, Suite 1 Louisville, Kentucky 40218 (502) 479-2288 [email protected]

TERRY MEINERS is a radio and television host in Louisville. On his daily shows he interviews newsmakers, sports people, imaginary characters, and virtually any real person who walks in through the WHAS studio door. Mr. Meiners has been on Kentucky airwaves for forty years, starting at Lexington's WKQQ in 1976. He co-hosts the morning TV show Great Day Live with Rachel Platt on WHAS-TV, then hosts the afternoon WHAS radio show until the night watchman tells him to go home.

Chief Justice John D. Minton, Jr. Supreme Court of Kentucky Warren County Justice Center 1001 Center Street, Suite 305 Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101 (270) 745-7867 [email protected]

CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN D. MINTON, JR. was elected to the Supreme Court of Kentucky in 2006 and re-elected to another eight-year term in 2014. His fellow justices elected him for a four-year term as Chief Justice in 2008, 2012 and 2016. In July 2016, Chief Justice Minton was elected by his fellow chief justices to serve a one-year term as president of the Conference of Chief Justices and chair of the National Center for State Courts Board of Directors. He is also a member of the board of directors for the State Justice Institute, a federal nonprofit corporation that awards grants to improve the quality of justice in state courts. President Obama nominated him to the SKI board and the U.S. Senate confirmed the nomination in December, 2016. Chief Justice Minton was in private practice for fifteen years before serving as a circuit judge from 1992 to 2003 and a Kentucky Court of Appeals judge from 2003 to 2006. He holds degrees from Western Kentucky University and the University of Kentucky College of Law. Chief Justice Minton previously served on the boards of the Conference of Chief Justices and the Council of State Governments and is a 2010 alumnus of the prestigious Toll Fellowship Program, one of the nation’s top leadership development programs for state government officials. In 2003, the Kentucky Bar Association honored him with its Outstanding Judge Award. He was named Distinguished Jurist in 2012 by the University of Kentucky College of Law Alumni Association, and was inducted into the Western Kentucky University Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2013.

iii

iv 2016 KENTUCKY CIVIC HEALTH INDEXTM

1 ABOUT THE PARTNERS

NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CITIZENSHIP KENTUCKY OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE The National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC) is a congressionally Alison Lundergan Grimes, Kentucky’s 76th Secretary of State, chartered organization dedicated to strengthening civic life in is the Commonwealth’s chief advocate for civic engagement. America. We pursue our mission through a nationwide network Through partnership with civics-oriented organizations on the of partners involved in a cutting-edge civic health initiative and local, state and national levels, the Secretary of State supports our cross-sector conferences. At the core of our joint efforts is the a variety of programs to promote greater participation in the belief that every person has the ability to help their community and democratic process, including civic education and legislative country thrive. Learn more at ncoc.org. initiatives, slogan and essay contests relating to voting, and mock elections. The Secretary is passionate about improving Kentucky’s WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY civic health and working toward a more enthusiastic and informed Western Kentucky University (WKU) prepares students of all electorate. Secretary Grimes believes that Kentucky can achieve backgrounds to be productive, engaged, and socially responsible its brightest future when Kentuckians embrace fully both their citizen-leaders of a global society. The University provides research, rights and obligations as citizens. service and lifelong learning opportunities for its students, faculty, and other constituents. WKU enriches the quality of life for those within its reach. Learn more at wku.edu.

MCCONNELL CENTER The McConnell Center, established in 1991, values three core principles: Leadership, Scholarship, and Service. The McConnell Center prepares Kentucky’s top undergraduate students to become future leaders; offers civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and conducts strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army. Through a variety of professional development conferences, lectures and seminars, the Center’s Civic Education Program is designed to improve Kentuckians’ understanding of their history, assist Kentucky citizens in developing a better understanding of the U.S. Constitution and American history, and encourage open and free discussion of perennial concerns that inform contemporary politics. Learn more at McConnellCenter.org.

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS ATTRIBUTORS: Introduction and Comparison ...... 5 McConnell Center New Indicators: Conﬁ dence in Public Institutions ...... 7

A Focus on Political Engagement ...... 8 AUTHORS: Moving Forward ...... 11 Saundra Ardrey, Department Head, Political Conclusion ...... 12 Science, Western Kentucky University Endnotes ...... 13 Eric Bain-Selbo, Department Head, Philosophy and Religion, Western Kentucky MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHORS University Tiara Na’puti, Assistant Professor, Diversity Five years ago, the Institute for Citizenship and Social Responsibility at Western Kentucky and Community Studies, Western Kentucky University joined with the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC), the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, the Offi ce of the Secretary of State of Kentucky, and a number University of other partners to produce the fi rst-everCivic Health Index for Kentucky. It was a signifi cant CONTRIBUTORS: achievement, one that provided a sweeping picture of the civic health of the Commonwealth and its citizens. Jeff Coates, Research and Evaluation Director, National Conference on Once again we benefi t from wonderful partners who help to make this new report possible. Citizenship The McConnell Center at the University of Louisville continues its commitment to civic education and leadership through its willingness to share the fi nancial costs of this report with Lisa Matthews, Program Director, Civic us. In addition, Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes and her offi ce have committed Health Initiatives, National Conference on signifi cant time and resources to hosting 15 roundtable conversations at campuses across Citizenship the state to strengthen civic health. Following those discussions, Grimes released a Civic Health Assessment, which further informed and challenged Kentuckians to advance civic learning and engagement in Kentucky. They have now helped in the printing and distribution Rachael Weiker, Associate Director, Civic of the report—ensuring it ends up in our many Kentucky communities where it can have a Health Initiatives, National Conference on role in stimulating conversations about civic engagement. Finally, of course, we thank the Citizenship good people at NCoC for their continued work in making citizenship and civic education priorities in Kentucky and across the country.

3 FROM KENTUCKY’S SECRETARY OF STATE

Dear Citizens of Kentucky, Our Commonwealth is at its best when every Kentuckian is engaged. The hard work of dedicated citizens has created stronger communities through civic, social, and political engagement. As your Secretary of State, I hold my responsibility as the Chief Advocate for Civic Engagement in high regard.

We have continued to partner with local and national organizations in an effort to achieve a more engaged Kentucky. I am proud to release the 2016 Kentucky Civic Health Index, the measure of the strengths and weaknesses of Kentucky’s civic literacy and engagement. It is my hope that the information presented in this report will renew our collective commitment to a stronger, more participatory citizenry.

While we have made progress over the years, our work to ensure all Kentuckians are active in civic matters is not yet fi nished. When the Secretary of State’s offi ce and our partners released the 2012 Civic Health Index, we embarked on a mission across the Commonwealth to implore Kentuckians to get more engaged in their neighborhood, in their communities, and in Kentucky. There is no match to the determination and ingenuity of empowered Kentuckians, and I know they will rise to the challenge.

I am grateful for the tireless efforts of partners who have put in many hours to complete this report, and I look forward to seeing its impact. Together, I am confi dent we will usher in a new era of social connectedness and civic engagement. As we move forward with renewed commitment, we will achieve our Commonwealth’s most vibrant, dynamic future.

Sincerely

Alison Lundergan Grimes

2 016 K EN T UCK Y C I V IC HE ALT H INDE X 4 INTRODUCTION AND COMPARISON

This year we are delighted to issue this second report on civic health in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This report compares data from fi ve years ago to today, but also focuses more narrowly on political engagement in the state.

In the fi rst section of the report, data show that there have not been any dramatic shifts in the civic health of Kentucky over fi ve years. There are some strengths for which we can be proud and some weaknesses that deserve our attention.

We then present data on political participation and engagement among Kentuckians—from typical indicators of civic health, such as voter registration and turnout, to newer measures, such as online political/social activism. While Kentucky has performed fairly well on many indicators, the state lags behind in other indicators. It also is evident that important demographic groups (particularly based on race and age) vary in regard to political participation and engagement, leading to some critical conclusions and policy recommendations.

The conclusion summarizes these key fi ndings and offers recommendations for strengthening the civic health of Kentucky.

A Look Back to Compare

There are several important comparisons to be drawn between the last Civic Health Index (CHI) and today, as key issues have changed since 2011. Notably, the issues of social connectedness and community engagement demonstrate slight shifts in the state’s civic health. The current report also provides information about the results of new indicators since the last CHI, specifi cally examining the state and national data on confi dence in public institutions. Social Connectedness Social connectedness refers to the number of ties we have with family, friends, and community members—as well as the quality of those connections. Kentuckians continue to demonstrate social connectedness when it comes to communication with family and friends.

In terms of communication, Kentucky residents have increased their reporting of seeing or hearing from friends and family at least a few times a week, and the state has improved to 24th in the national ranking, compared to 43rd fi ve years ago. In 2011, 77.5% of Kentuckians indicated hearing from friends or family a few times a week or more, compared to a 79% national average. In 2013, the state increased on this indicator to 78.6%, compared to 75.7% nationally. The data demonstrate that though the national average has decreased, Kentucky residents have increased their interactions with family and friends.

Kentucky residents demonstrate a slight increase in their interactions with neighbors. Such interactions often focus on working with neighbors to fi x or improve things within the community. In 2014, 7.3% of residents worked with neighbors, compared to 7.0% in 2013 and 6.5% in 2010. This is a relatively steady increase for the state and also improves Kentucky’s standing nationally (ranked 34th in 2014, 37th in 2013, and 46th in 2010). The process of discussing issues with others and then working collectively to address those issues can create a greater sense of investment, co-ownership of shared resources, and community pride.

Though neighborly interaction is rising, the state has experienced changes in terms of trust between neighbors. In the 2011 report, 60.9% of Kentucky residents indicated they trusted most or all of their neighbors. By contrast, only 54.3% of residents reported this level of trust in 2013. This decline places Kentucky’s national ranking at 39th, compared to 25th only a few years prior. However, the data also indicate a slight national decrease among Americans when it comes to trusting their neighbors. In 2013, 55.8% of Americans trusted their neighbors, compared to 56.7% in 2011.

5 Chart 1. Social Connection in Kentucky

80%

70%

60% 54.3 55.8 50%

40%

30%

20%

10% 6.5 7.3 7.6 0% See/hear from family & Work with neighbors to fi x or improve Trust most or friends frequently something in the community all neighbors 2011 Kentucky 2014 Kentucky US Avg

While there are clear strengths and weaknesses in regard to social connectedness, we re-affi rm what we stated in the 2011 report: “Our goal as Kentuckians should be to increase individual and collective well-being through fostering social connectedness.” VOLUNTEERING RANK Community Engagement 1 UT Community engagement involves working with others to make a difference in our communities, and can include volunteerism and service. But the main goal of engagement is to provide a strong form of public participation that involves citizens as decision-makers, stakeholders, and problem-solvers of issues that impact their quality of life. In recent years there has been a change in engagement data in measures such as volunteering, charitable contributions, and group membership.

2014 Kentucky 33 Volunteering has a signifi cant impact on community needs and provides critical services to society. The 2011 Civic Health Index indicated that the level of volunteering in Kentucky peaked in 2005 at 31.7% and has been declining steadily. In 2010 the volunteering level was 22.7%, 2010 Kentucky 43 with only 25-44 year-old college graduates volunteering above the state average. This level ranked Kentucky 43rd in the nation. However, in 2014 an important change occurred with a small 51 LA increase in volunteering among Kentucky residents—countering the previously declining trend. Kentuckians report a 24.9% volunteering level, with 25-54 year-olds with some college education volunteering above the state average—slightly widening the age range and education level for volunteering from the previous years. In 2014, the state ranking rose to 33rd overall.

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS RANK Chart 2. Kentucky’s Volunteering Rates vs. US Averages (2002-2014)

35% UT 1 31.7 28.8 28.8 30% 28.8 27.7 26.3 26.8 26.3 26.8 26.5 26.4 25.4 25.3 28.7 28.8 25% 27.6 26.7 26.2 25.3 25.3 25.5 24.7 24.9 23.2 23.5 20% 22.7 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Kentucky US Avg.

2014 Kentucky 36 Furthermore, there was an increase in charitable contributions of $25 or more—donations that allow organizations to maintain vital services for their communities. The percentage of Kentucky 2010 Kentucky 46 residents making such charitable contributions has increased from 45.6% (2010) to 50.2% WV 51 (2014), improving the state’s national ranking from 46th to 36th place. Additionally, group membership improved with 35.1% of residents indicating they belonged to at least one type of community organization, compared to 33.2% in 2011 and 25.9% in 2010 for the state. Such memberships can foster a sense of community, strengthen communication, and facilitate a wider exchange of ideas for collective problem solving. Though it may be too premature to make defi nitive conclusions, these indicators suggest a possible rebound in community engagement. 2 016 K EN T UCK Y C I V IC HE ALT H INDE X 6 Chart 3. Give $25 or More to Charity in Kentucky vs US Avg (2006-2014)

55% 52.0 51.8 51.1 50.2 50.1 50.4 49.0 50.0 50.0 50% 50.6 50.0 50.2 50.0 49.1 50.2 48.5 45% 47.6 45.6

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Kentucky US Avg.

NEW INDICATORS: Confi dence in Public Institutions

In this Civic Health Index, one of the new indicators of civic health is confi dence in public institutions, focusing on three major institutions: the public school system, the media, and corporations.

In 2013, 87% of Kentucky residents reported being confi dent (a great deal or some) in the public school system, compared to a confi dence level of 84.5% for U.S. residents overall. In 2011, Kentucky had a 90.1% confi dence compared to 88% nationally—ranking it 20th in the nation. Overall, Kentucky residents demonstrate a higher confi dence than the national average, with both males and females ages 16-54 and 75+ showing confi dence at or above the state average.

Kentucky also shows 63.5% of residents are confi dent (a great deal or some) in corporations, compared to 64.5% nationally. At 65.1%, women reﬂ ect confi dence at a higher level than both the state and national averages.1 Residents ages 16-44 show at or above the state average. For Kentucky, confi dence has remained relatively stable since 2011, when residents showed a 63.4% level compared to 62% national average; however, the state’s ranking has dropped from 26th (2011) to 38th (2013).

Public confi dence in the media is among the lowest ranking for this indicator among Kentuckians. Only 46.5% report that they are a great deal or somewhat confi dent in the media, compared to 55% nationally. Out of the 50 states and D.C., Kentucky ranks 48th in the U.S. in this indicator— ahead of only Utah (51st), Montana (50th), and New Mexico (49th). Women exceed both the state and the national average, with a level of 57.5% (compared to men, with a level of 50.3%). Confi dence has also fallen since 2011, when 60.3% of residents were somewhat or very confi dent in the media—closely matching the national average of 62%.

Chart 4. Conﬁ dence in Public Institutions in Kentucky

90.1 90% 87.0 84.5 80%

70%

60%

50% 46.5 40%

30%

20%

10%

0% Confi dence in corporations - Confi dence in media - a great Confi dence in public schools a great deal or some deal or some - a great deal or some 2011 Kentucky 2014 Kentucky US Avg

One of the future issues to consider is the level of trust and confi dence that Kentucky residents have with their neighbors and also with the major public institutions that comprise the community. Understanding what factors may inﬂ uence Kentucky residents’ confi dence in public institutions could be a key component of assessing civic health.

7 A FOCUS ON POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT

Voter Registration 2006 2010 2014 Kentucky 73.4% 66.9% 71.6%

US Avg. 67.6% 65.1% 64.6%

Voter Turnout 2006 2010 2014 Kentucky 49.4% 46.8% 47.5%

US Avg. 47.8% 45.5% 41.9%

Voter turnout and registration tend to be lower in midterm, off-year elections. But in Kentucky local and statewide elections on the ballot continue to push registration and turnout slightly above the national average. The 2011 Civic Health Index observed that in both 2006 and 2010 a number of competitive races drove turnout in some counties as high as 67%. In 2006, it was local elections driving the electorate. In 2010, the campaign of Tea Party candidate Rand Paul for the U.S. Senate increased turnout.

The trend continued in 2014 with midterm elections that pitted Republican incumbent Senator Mitch McConnell against two challengers: Libertarian David Patterson and Democrat Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, the only woman holding a statewide offi ce. The campaign attracted local and state coverage as well as national media attention. Kentucky registration and voting was up across all demographic groups. Voter Registration Consistent with fi ndings from the 2011 report, variables such as age, family income, race, and education are reliable predictors of voter registration. The older you get, the more likely you are to register. Young adults ages 18-24 had the lowest registration rate at 55.7%, but by the ages of 55-64 the rate peaks at 79.6%.

The level of registration goes up as family income increases. Families that earn less than $35,000 register at 65.5%, while those with income over $75,000 register at 80%.

Registration levels are just slightly different for White non-Hispanic (72%) and Black non-Hispanic (70%).

The level of education increases the likelihood a citizen will register to vote. Citizens with less than a high school education are the least likely to register at 60.4%. Those with a high school degree register at 68.3%; some college 79.5%; and bachelor and higher education register at 82.9%. The difference between the lowest level (less than high school) and the bachelor level of education is 22.5 percentage points.

2 016 K EN T UCK Y C I V IC HE ALT H INDE X 8 Voter Turnout The 2014 midterm election continued the trend of Kentuckians voting above the national average. A competitive Republican primary and then the general election with Senator Mitch McConnell and challenger Alison Lundergan Grimes dominated the nightly news and saturated the airways with political advertisements. The general election campaign was the most expensive senatorial race in American history.

The turnout of 47.5% at the state level was above the national rate of 41.9%. Following the same pattern for voter registration, voter turnout varies by demographic factors. Men tended to outvote women, but just slightly at 49.2% and 46%, respectively.

Young people (ages 18–24) tend to vote less than older adults (ages 75+). This is true for 2006, 2010, and 2014. In 2014, young people tended to vote less (24.9%) than older adults (64.4%). While the gap still exists between generations, young people narrowed the gap in 2014. In 2010, the gap between youngest and oldest was 50 percentage points. In 2014, the gap narrowed to 39.5 percentage points.

As family income increases, so does voting. In 2014, families earning less than $35,000 voted at 33.1% while those with earnings over $75,000 voted at 64%. That is an income-based disparity of 30.9 percentage points. The gap is widening. In 2010, the turnout gap between the lowest family income and the highest family income was only 19.5 percentage points.

In 2014, White non-Hispanics voted at 47.8% while Black non-Hispanics voted at 44.7%. For Black non-Hispanic voters, registration had a slightly greater impact on turnout, with 97% of registered Black non-Hispanics and 93% of White non-Hispanics voting.

The greatest predictor of political participation (registration and turnout) is still education. The higher the level of educational attainment, the greater the participation level. As education increases so does the level of voter turnout. For 2014, there was a 39.6 percentage point differential between the level of voting for those with less than a high school level of education (28%) and those with a bachelor’s degree or higher (67.6%).

Chart 5. 2014 Voting and Registration Rates by Demograpic in Kentucky

90% 82.9 80% 80.0 72.0 70.0 70% 67.6 65.5 64.0 60% 60.4

50% 47.8 44.7 40% 33.1 30% 28.0

20%

10%

0% White Non-Hispanic Black Non-Hispanic Less than HS Bachelor’s Degree or Less than $75,000 or Higher $35,000 more Voting Registration

Goal In the 2011 Kentucky Civic Health Index report, the goal was to increase turnout in 2014 by a minimum of 10 percentage points across the state. That would have moved Kentucky from a ranking of 26th well into the top ten of state rankings with a turnout rate of 56.8%. The turnout rate of 47.5% fell short of that goal. The state is holding steady with a .7 percentage point increase. Perhaps a more reachable goal is to move turnout fi ve percentage points to 53%.

9 Political Action

“Political action” means participating in activities to inﬂ uence the government and other public institutions. It is composed of four items: voting, discussing politics with family and friends a few times a week or more, contacting public offi cials, and buying or boycotting products to express political opinions or effect politcal goals. Not many people engage in political action beyond voting. This is true both at the national as well as at the state level. In Kentucky, 23.1% of the electorate report talking about politics with family or friends. Nationally, the rate is 27%. Contacting or visiting public offi cials on an issue is even lower with 11% in the state and 10.8% nationally. And 8.9% of the citizens in the state bought or boycotted a product or service compared to 12.8% at the national level.

Non-electoral participation is consistently low across all demographic groups. However, education plays a similar role here as it does in electoral participation. The higher the level of educational attainment, the more likely you are to engage in non-electoral behavior. Folks with less than a high school education talk about politics with family or friends at 12.4%; high school at 21%; some college 26.1%; and bachelor’s degree or higher 38.5%. Level of education also inﬂ uences contacting or visiting public offi cials. For example, 5.6% of those with less than a high school education contact offi cials while 22.4% of those with college degrees contact offi cials.2

There is a racial divide too. White non-Hispanics are twice as likely to have contacted or visited public offi cials than Black non-Hispanics (10.9% and 5.1%, respectively). White non-Hispanics are also more likely to talk about politics with family and friends (24% and 15.3%, respectively).3

Goal In the 2011 Civic Health Index, we wrote: “The snapshot of the politically active in Kentucky— white, elderly, educated, and upper income—does not adequately reﬂ ect the demographics of the state.” That statement remains as true today as it was four years ago. So, the goal is the same: “to bring marginalized groups into the community of politically engaged citizens, to create a healthy and engaged civic society, and to overcome the distinctions that divide us.”

2 016 K EN T UCK Y C I V IC HE ALT H INDE X 10 MOVING FORWARD

The 2011 report identifi ed many initiatives coordinated by colleges, interest groups, civic groups, fraternities, and sororities that were taking place to improve the civic health of the state. The efforts have been ambitious with voter registration drives, mobilization of marginalized populations, and civic education projects both in secondary schools and in higher education. As demonstrated in the data from 2010 to 2014, progress is slow but steady.

However, there are still registration obstacles such as cut-off dates and inconvenient locations. The Secretary of State’s offi ce recognized that these obstacles combine to attenuate the rate of electoral participation, especially for marginalized groups. In March 2016, Kentucky joined 30 other states when Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes launched online registration for eligible voters (helping more than 30,000 new voters get registered in its fi rst seven months). Voters can also use the new system to change their existing registration information. This effort can help make the process less cumbersome and more accessible. Secretary Grimes has also proposed a bill that would allow early voting without an excuse. Same-day registration should also be explored as a strategy to increase participation. In the nine states with same-day registration, voter turnout is usually seven points higher.5

There have been attempts to restore voting rights to all Kentuckians with past criminal convictions that have not been successful.6 However, new legislation is beginning to address this issue and allows felons the opportunity to submit for expungement fi ve years after probation or at the end of their sentence.

While there have been several unsuccessful attempts to restore voting rights to Kentuckians with past criminal convictions, new legislation signed into law by Governor Matt Bevin in April 2016, signals signifi cant progress. House Bill 40 allows felons the opportunity to submit for expungement fi ve years after probation or at the end of their sentence. There are still certain restrictions - the criminal must be non-violent, the crime must not be sexual in nature, and an expungement fee of $100 is required - this law is a step toward enfranchisement of about seven percent of the Kentucky population not allowed to vote due to felony charges.

Recognizing the critical role of education for its citizens, the state legislature initiated the Work Ready Kentucky Program. The budget provides $25 million over the next two years to fund tuition scholarships for high school graduates seeking an associate’s degree. This program is aimed at community colleges, but also funds tuition scholarships for associate degree programs at universities. The budget also provides $15 million for high school students pursuing dual-credit courses. Economic incentive programs like these make education more accessible and affordable for many Kentuckians. A better-educated citizenry guarantees the economic well-being of the community and ensures an engaged electorate.

11 CONCLUSION

While this report includes a wealth of data about the civic health of Kentucky, the following fi ndings stand out:

■ In many ways, the civic health of Kentucky has not changed signifi cantly over fi ve years. While Kentucky may not excel in any particular area, it generally sees civic health indicators on par with the nation. The real question for state and community leaders and for all citizens is whether such average rankings are acceptable.

■ The new indicator about trust in institutions is interesting and deserves more attention. We need to know the connection between trust in our public institutions and the type of community and political engagement needed for a thriving democracy. In particular, the distrust of the media (which report on politics) may be a cause or symptom (or both) of the political apathy that often plagues our democracy - a political apathy that was reﬂ ected in the extremely low voter turnout in Kentucky in 2015.

■ Political participation and engagement have remained steady over the last fi ve years. On the one hand, we are pleased there has not been any decline. On the other hand, the Commonwealth continues to lag behind other states in some key indicators. We continue to be concerned about the demographic divides in regard to participation and engagement—specifi cally the lower participation and engagement of young people and African Americans.

From these fi ndings, we make the following recommendations:

■ Statewide campaign for voting. We have seen how voter registration and voter turnout in Kentucky generally has been strong in the years since our last report—though certainly the Commonwealth can do better. But voter turnout in the 2015 cycle was very disappointing. According to the Kentucky Secretary of State’s website, only 30.6% of those registered proceeded to vote in the 2015 general election.7 That means, for example, that Governor Matt Bevin was elected by receiving just a little over half a million votes—only about 16% of registered voters (and even less of a percentage of the adult population in the state). Certainly we expect more of our democratic processes. We urge state and local governments to focus time, energy, and funds to educating citizens about the importance of the electoral process. At the state level, Secretary Grimes’ efforts to implement online registration can help improve participation and additional efforts should be explored to expand voting in the state. Concerted efforts must be made to increase voting among younger people and African Americans.”

■ Restore voting rights for citizens. As we noted in the previous section, thousands of Kentuckians are denied their right to vote as a consequence of a felony conviction. These men and women— disproportionately African Americans—have completed their sentences but remain less than full citizens. They too deserve to have a voice in the representative government of the state and in their communities. Our democracy lives up to its ideals when everyone has access to the ballot.

■ Educate, educate, educate. We end with a recommendation that we carry over from our previous report. As the data indicate, the more educated the population, the more it expresses important dimensions of civic health—from voter registration and turnout to contacting representatives and from informal political conversations with family and friends to online social and political activism. If we are going to be committed to cultivating our democracy, then we must be committed to education—from P-12 through higher education. In this regard, drastic cuts to higher education over the last decade and the accompanying rise in tuition have been barriers to expanding higher education. The recent promise of free community college education in Kentucky is one move in the right direction, and we encourage further developments along those lines.

2 016 K EN T UCK Y C I V IC HE ALT H INDE X 12 ENDNOTES

1 Based on Current Population Survey pooled data from 2010, 2011, and 2013.

2 Based on Current Population Survey pooled data from 2010, 2011, and 2013.

3 Based on Current Population Survey pooled data from 2010, 2011, and 2013.

4 Brians, Craig L. and Bernard Grofman, “Election Day Registration’s Effect on U.S. Voter Turnout,” Social Science Quarterly. 2001, Vol. 82, Number 1.

5 “Felony Disenfranchisement in the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” A Report from the League of Women Voters of Kentucky, October 2006, static.prisonpolicy.org/scans/lwvky/Felony_Dis_Report.pdf

6 “Kentucky Governor Creates New Process to Help Restore Voting Rights to 170,000 Citizens,” Brennan Center for Justice, New York University of Law, November 24, 2015.

7 Turnout Statistics, Kentucky State Board of Elections, http://elect.ky.gov/statistics/Pages/turnoutstatistics.aspx, accessed April 25, 2016.

A WORD ABOUT RECOMMENDATIONS

NCoC encourages our partners to consider how civic health data can inform dialogue and action in their communities, and to take an evidence-based approach to helping our communities and country thrive. While we encourage our partners to consider and offer specifi c recommendations and calls to action in our reports, we are not involved in shaping these recommendations. The opinions and recommendations expressed by our partners do not necessarily reﬂ ect those of NCoC.

This report should be a conversation starter. The data and ideas presented here raise as many questions as they answer. We encourage government entities, community groups, business people, leaders of all kinds, and individual citizens to treat this report as a fi rst step toward building more robust civic health in Kentucky.

TECHNICAL NOTE

Unless otherwise noted, fi ndings presented in this Report are based on NCoC’s analysis of the Census Current Population Survey (CPS) data. Any and all errors are our own. Volunteering estimates are from CPS September Volunteering Supplement, voting estimates from 2014 November Voting and Registration Supplement, and all other civic engagement indicators, such as discussion of political information and connection to neighbors, come from the 2013 CPS Civic Engagement Supplement.

Using a probability selected sample of about 150,000 occupied households, the CPS collects monthly data on employment and demographic characteristics of the nation. Depending on the CPS supplement, the single-year Kentucky CPS sample size used for this report ranges from 398 to 593 (civic engagement supplement) to 1,330 (volunteer supplement), and to 1,363 (voting supplement) residents from across Kentucky. This sample is then weighted to representative population demographics for the district. Estimates for the volunteering indicators (e.g., volunteering, working with neighbors, making donations) are based on US residents ages 16 and older. Estimates for civic engagement and social connection indicators (e.g., favors with neighbors, discuss politics) are based on US residents ages 18 and older. Voting and registration statistics are based on US citizens who are 18 and older (eligible voters). When we examined the relationship between educational attainment and engagement, estimates are based on adults ages 25 and older, based on the assumption younger people may be completing their education.

Because multiple sources of data with varying sample sizes are used, the report is not able to compute one margin of error for Kentucky across all indicators. Any analysis that breaks down the sample into smaller groups (e.g., gender, education) will have smaller samples and therefore the margin of error will increase. Data for some indicators are pooled from multiple years (2010-2013) for a more reliable estimate when sample sizes for certain cross tabulations may have been small. Furthermore, national rankings, while useful in benchmarking, may be small in range, with one to two percentage points separating the state/district ranked fi rst from the state/district ranked last.

It is also important that our margin of error estimates are approximate, as CPS sampling is highly complex and accurate estimation of error rates involves many parameters that are not publicly available.

13 CIVIC HEALTH INDEX

State and Local Partnerships

NCoC began America’s Civic Health Index in 2006 to measure the level of civic engagement and health of our democracy. In 2009, NCoC was incorporated into the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act and directed to expand this civic health assessment in partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service and the US Census Bureau.

NCoC now works with partners in more than 30 communities nationwide to use civic data to lead and inspire a public dialogue about the future of citizenship in America and to drive sustainable civic strategies. STATES

Alabama Illinois Nebraska University of Alabama McCormick Foundation Nebraskans for Civic Reform David Mathews Center for Civic Life Indiana New Hampshire Auburn University Indiana University Center on Representative Carsey Institute Arizona Government Campus Compact of New Hampshire Center for the Future of Arizona Indiana Bar Foundation University System of New Hampshire Indiana Supreme Court New Hampshire College & University California Indiana University Northwest Council California Forward IU Center for Civic Literacy Center for Civic Education New York Center for Individual and Kansas Siena College Research Institute Institutional Renewal Kansas Health Foundation New York State Commission on National Davenport Institute and Community Service Kentucky Colorado Commonwealth of Kentucky, North Carolina Metropolitan State University of Denver Secretary of State’s Office Institute for Emerging Issues The Civic Canopy Western Kentucky University Ohio Denver Metro Chamber Leadership McConnell Center, University of Louisville Miami University Hamilton Center for Campus Compact of Mountain West Maryland Civic Engagement History Colorado Mannakee Circle Group Institute on Common Good Oklahoma Center for Civic Education University of Central Oklahoma Connecticut Common Cause-Maryland Oklahoma Campus Compact Everyday Democracy Maryland Civic Literacy Commission Secretary of the State of Connecticut Pennsylvania Massachusetts DataHaven Center for Democratic Deliberation Harvard Institute of Politics Connecticut Humanities National Constitution Center Connecticut Campus Compact Michigan South Carolina The Fund for Greater Hartford Michigan Nonprofit Association University of South Carolina Upstate William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund Michigan Campus Compact Wesleyan Univesity Michigan Community Service Commission Texas Volunteer Centers of Michigan The Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life, District of Columbia Council of Michigan Foundations University of Texas at Austin ServeDC Center for Study of Citizenship at Wayne Virginia Florida State University Center for the Constitution at James Florida Joint Center for Citizenship Minnesota Madison’s Montpelier Bob Graham Center for Public Service Center for Democracy and Citizenship Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Lou Frey Institute of Politics and Government Missouri Missouri State University Georgia Park University GeorgiaForward Saint Louis University Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Missouri Kansas City The University of Georgia University of Missouri Saint Louis Georgia Family Connection Partnership Washington University ISSUE SPECIFIC

Latinos Civic Health Index Millennials Civic Health Index Economic Health Carnegie Corporation Mobilize.org Knight Foundation Veterans Civic Health Index Harvard Institute of Politics Corporation for National & Community Got Your 6 CIRCLE Service (CNCS) CIRCLE 2016 KENTUCKY CIVIC HEALTH INDEX 14 CITIES

Atlanta University of Missouri Saint Louis Seattle Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta Washington University Seattle City Club Chicago Miami Boeing Company McCormick Foundation Florida Joint Center for Citizenship Seattle Foundation John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Kansas City & Saint Louis Twin Cities Miami Foundation Missouri State University Center for Democracy and Citizenship Park University Pittsburgh Citizens League Saint Louis Univeristy University of Pittsburgh John S. and James L. Knight Foundation University of Missouri Kansas City Carnegie Mellon University

CIVIC HEALTH ADVISORY GROUP

John Bridgeland Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg Drew Steijles CEO, Civic Enterprises Director, Center for Information and Assistant Vice President for Student Chairman, Board of Advisors, National Research on Civic Learning and Engagement and Leadership and Director Conference on Citizenship Engagement (CIRCLE) at the Jonathan M. Office of Community Engagement, College Former Assistant to the President of the Tisch College of Citizenship and Public of William & Mary United States & Director, Domestic Policy Service at Tufts University Michael Stout Council & US Freedom Corps Peter Levine Associate Professor of Sociology, Kristen Cambell Associate Dean for Research and Lincoln Missouri State University Executive Director, PACE Filene Professor of Citizenship & Public Kristi Tate Affairs in Tufts University’sJonathan Tisch Jeff Coates Partnership Development Director, College of Civic Life Research and Evaluation Director, National Conference on Citizenship Mark Hugo Lopez National Conference on Citizenship Michael Weiser Director of Hispanic Research, Pew Lattie Coor Chairman, National Conference on Research Center Chairman & CEO, Center for the Future of Citizenship Ted McConnell Arizona Ilir Zherka Executive Director, Campaign for the Civic Nathan Dietz Former Executive Director, National Mission of Schools Senior Research Associate, The Urban Conference on Citizenship Institute Martha McCoy Doug Dobson President, Everyday Democracy Executive Director, Florida Joint Center for Kenneth Prewitt Citizenship Former Director of the United States Census Bureau Jennifer Domagal-Goldman Carnegie Professor of Public Affairs and National Manager, American Democracy the Vice-President for Global Centers at Project Columbia University Diane Douglas Robert Putnam Executive Director, Seattle CityClub Peter and Isabel Malkin Professor of Public Paula Ellis Policy, Kennedy School of Government at Former Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Harvard University John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Founder, Saguaro Seminar William Galston Author of Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution Revival of American Community Former Deputy Assistant to the President Stella M. Rouse of the United States for Domestic Policy Director, Center for American Politics and Hon. Bob Graham Citizenship Former Senator of Florida Shirley Sagawa Former Governor of Florida President and CEO, Service Year Alliance Robert Grimm, Jr. Co-founder, Sagawa/Jospin, LLP. Director of the Center for Philanthropy Thomas Sander and Nonprofit Leadership, Executive Director, the Saguaro Seminar, University of Maryland Harvard University Shawn Healy David B. Smith Resident Scholar, McCormick Foundation Managing Director, Presidio Institute,

15 Connecting People. Strengthening Our Country.

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