Sorry Rachel And Sean, Utah Just Isn’t That Into You

I have some bad news for Rachel Maddow and Sean Hannity. Here in Utah, we're just not that in to you. To be sure, you have your fans and followers, listeners and viewers, but the world you live in – politics – just isn't our priority. While you and all the other pundits of the world are telling (screaming?) that our only purpose in life is to vote for the candidates of your choice, here in the Beehive state we seem to find other ways to occupy our times.

To be sure, our participation in elections is vital, and I strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to go out and vote for the people who you support.

But, as far as living our entire lives wrapped up in the world of politics, as the pundits suggest we do, I think we have other ways to spend our lives. And according to this research from Smart Asset, here in Utah we're not in the top of the “most politically engaged” states. In fact we're closer to the bottom.

The metrics that Smart Assest used in coming up with the rankings were Voter Turnout in 2012, Voter Turnout in 2010, Voter Registration in 2012, and 2012 Presidential Donations. According to those metrics Massachusetts is the most politically engaged state in the nation. Utah was....41^st. Frankly, that's ok with me. By the way lest anyone think that we don't show up and vote, in the 2022 mid-term elections, our voter turnout in Utah was 64.2%. Rural Utah made an even better showing. The combined average voter turnout in the 5 county area here in southwest Utah was 70.18% (but hey Iron County you were the slackers with only 60.1% turnout).

I suppose the reason I don't get upset that our “political engagement” numbers being low is that is an indication that our lives our multi dimensional.

One such dimension is personal relationships. The bonds we form with family, friends, and loved ones contribute immeasurably to our emotional well-being and sense of belonging. These connections provide support, companionship, and love, nurturing us through life's joys and challenges.

Personal pursuits and passions occupy a significant space in our lives. Whether it be art, literature, sports, or hobbies, these endeavors bring fulfillment and meaning to our existence. Engaging in creative expression or pursuing goals unrelated to politics allows us to explore our individuality and cultivate our talents, fostering personal growth and self-discovery.

Add to that our participation in civic and volunteer organizations and our engagement with our various faith traditions, it seems that we have a plethora of options to fill the hours of our days.

So Rachel and Sean, don't worry. We'll come hang out with you from time to time, maybe go out and have a pizza with you every so often. Just accept, we're not that in to you.