Americans remain deeply committed to our democracy despite concerns about political division and dissatisfaction with how democracy is working today.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s third annual Civic and Economic Understanding Survey, conducted in partnership with RXN, asked 1,000 registered adult voters and 1,000 teens about their perspectives on civic engagement, polarization, and their understanding of the American government system. Its findings reveal a significant disconnect: more than nine in 10 adults and teens say democracy is important to the success of our nation, but only 57% of adults and 52% of teens believe democracy is working well.
Our survey is clear: Americans are worried about where we are, but they are not resigned to our fate. Sixty-four percent of adults and 71% of teens are optimistic that the challenges plaguing us can be solved and are actively looking for ways to contribute. This changes the question we need to answer from “how do we convince people to care?” to “how do we make it easier for people to understand, participate, and contribute?”
The encouraging news is that Americans want to help solve these challenges. Respondents consistently expressed support for activities that strengthen communities and bring people together. More than 90% of adults and teens said that supporting local businesses, understanding government, voting, and listening to people with different viewpoints are important to the country's success. The opportunity is not to rekindle civic commitment. It is to provide meaningful, accessible opportunities for people to put that commitment into practice.
Solving the Participation Gap Through Democracy at the Local Level
The findings point to a significant civic participation gap: 85% of adults and teens say participating in civic life is important, but only 58% of adults and 55% of teens believe Americans are participating effectively. The encouraging news is that we place a high value on civic participation; the challenge now is to find a way to make participation more accessible. Local communities offer the most practical and meaningful path to turn belief into action.
Community building is not separate from strengthening democracy; it may be one of the most accessible pathways to it. Americans are looking for ways to get involved that feel constructive, tangible, and relevant to their daily lives. When national politics feels distant or divided, local action gives people an immediate way to contribute and see results. These experiences can help build the trust, cooperation, and shared responsibility that democracy requires. Local engagement can take many forms, including:
The highest-ranked civic activity by adults and teens was supporting local businesses. Ninety-two percent of adults and 94% of teens believe it is important to our country’s success. It is also the civic and community activity respondents are most likely to say is currently working well.
Poll Workers: A Civic Role That Crosses Party Lines
One of the most direct, nonpartisan, and impactful ways to get involved locally this year is serving as a poll worker. Poll workers are often the first people voters interact with when they arrive at a polling place. They answer questions, ensure voting procedures are followed fairly, assist first-time voters, and help create an orderly, welcoming experience for everyone who participates.
This role is especially significant at a time when Americans are looking for practical ways to strengthen democracy. Our survey found that 91% of adults and 94% of teens believe listening to people with different viewpoints is important, yet fewer than half believe the country is doing that well today. Serving as a poll worker offers an opportunity to work alongside fellow community members from different backgrounds and perspectives in pursuit of a shared goal: helping every eligible voter participate with confidence.
Poll worker service is a reminder that civic life is something we build together. At a moment when many Americans are searching for ways to contribute close to home, serving as a poll worker offers a tangible way to strengthen civic trust, support your community, and help democracy work where it matters most: at the local level.
Learn more about becoming a poll worker by visiting the Election Assistance Commission webpage here.
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About the author
Pamela Sharma
Pamela manages Civics@Work initiatives at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
