HUMMELSTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 17: A vote sign is seen at Lower Dauphin High School on May 17, 2022 in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvanians are voting in the primary elections to select candidates from each party for a new governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. senator, and U.S representative.

We are living in an incredibly politically charged time. It seems like the entire world revolves around politics, or at least some people’s whole world. And for the most part that is a good thing. Citizens’ involvement is key to the system of democracy. Letting those political views sway your opinion of individuals or tear apart relationships with friends or family. I have a hard time with that. But enough of that soapbox. Despite what seems like a hyper-politicization of our world there is actually a decline in Americans’ trust in government and as a result political engagement. And both North and South Carolina were ranked as some of the least politically engaged states in the country.

This is a result of a survey/analysis conducted by WalletHub. As Election Day is approaching WalletHub compared the 50 states based on 10 key indicators of political engagement. They range from the percentage of registered voters in the 2020 presidential election to total political contributions per adult population. Keep in mind that WalletHub reports only 66.8% of age-eligible citizens voted in 2020. And that was a record 155 million voters. And of developed nations, the US ranks near the bottom- 30th out of 35- for voter turnout. Voting is such a privilege and integral to our country.

What’s At Stake

While there are several issues at stake with the upcoming elections, turnout will most likely be lower for the midterms. Presidential elections bring the largest numbers almost always. Senate races will be key and North Carolina is a battleground state with everything at stake. But this study ranks both North and South Carolina in the bottom third of states. Keep reading to see exactly where North and South Carolina ranked on the list of politically engaged states, as well as the top 10. Or read the full analysis here.

Least Politically Engaged States
**According To WalletHub**
35. North Dakota

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): N/A

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 74.20%
36. Kansas

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 53.40%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 77.50%
37. North Carolina

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 49.30%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 71.90%
38. Nevada

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 36.70%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 76.00%
39. New Mexico

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 42.90%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 74.90%
40. Mississippi

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 42.30%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 75.20%
41. Idaho

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 53.90%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 73.40%
42. Louisiana

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 46.90%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 70.40%
43. Indiana

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 38.80%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 75.10%
44. Oklahoma

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 30.50%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 70.30%
45. South Carolina

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 53.40%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 72.40%
46. Nebraska

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 42.30%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 76.0%
47. South Dakota

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 43.90%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 69.50%
48. Alabama

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 45.40%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 64.80%
49. West Virginia

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 34.60%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 68.00%
50. Arkansas

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 32.30%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 63.20%
Most Politically Engaged States
1. Maryland

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 70.70%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 76.40%
2. New Jersey

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 75.30%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 82.60%
3. Virginia

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 51.80%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 76.20%
4. Washington

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 52.40%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 77.30%
5. Oregon

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 56.10%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 79.50%
6. Minnesota

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 69.20%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 84.30%
7. California

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 53.60%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 71.40%
8. Arizona

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 52.00%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 81.80%
9. New York

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 47.80%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 67.90%
10. Iowa

Political Engagement Among Young People (Aged 18 to 24): 63.30%

Political Engagement Among the Elderly (Aged 65+): 76.80%