Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes is traveling across the Commonwealth to discuss results of the 2016 Civic Health Index in an effort to increase civic engagement.
Grimes launched the first index at the beginning of her first term. She says since the first index, there has been an increase in areas such as volunteering and charitable giving. However, she says there has also been a noticeable decline in trust in the government, public school system and the media.
“That begins by making sure people take an active role in refusing to share fake news whose sole purpose is meant to divide and create dissention amongst people. Many are profiting off of that fake news but it's coming at the expense of our democracy,” says Grimes.
Grimes’ office has launched the Restore Faith in Kentucky Pledge encouraging elected officials, general assembly members and citizens to start restoring trust by pledging not to share fake information.
"Kentucky is at its best when everyone is engaged," said Grimes. "This latest Index confirmed our work is not complete when it comes to improving the commonwealth's civic health, and we are rededicating ourselves – with many partners – to formulating fresh strategies to help bridge participation and engagement gaps."
Grimes says political engagement continues to depend largely upon age, upon income, and upon education and wants to ensure Kentuckians remain engaged at the local, state, and national level.
Grimes says her office is planning to tour each congressional district over the next two months. Her next stop is February 1 at Western Kentucky University.
