Civic Participation

Abstract

This chapter examines local political participation in the Prairie Crossing project and how it differs from national participation. Local political participation is defined as being involved in private government through the Prairie Crossing Homeowners Association and voting in county, township, and municipal elections; national participation is defined as voting in national elections and engaging in political activity such as working for a candidate, attending a political rally or meeting, and influencing others to vote. Using questions taken from the American National Election Studies (ANES) database, the chapter compares the political participation of Prairie Crossing's residents to that of the national cohort. In particular, it discusses the voting behavior of Prairie Crossing residents as well as their record of public service involving the environment, education, water policy, and state, county, and municipal government. It also asks whether Prairie Crossing has helped in changing the culture of civic participation at both the local and national levels.