A comprehensive study by Sojourn Strategies, Ariel Research Partners and Richard Shafranek found that 35% of the US electorate—85 million people—are disaffected, showing high disillusionment and low trust in government. The antidote to the crossroads between democracy and authoritarianism, the researchers argue, is an organized and engaged citizenry that feels a sense of belonging.
The disaffected electorate is demographically similar to the overall population in race, ethnicity, and gender, but tends to be younger, have fewer resources, and be less likely to hold a college degree. Notably, they are almost as civically active as the general population except when it comes to voting: while 65% of the overall population would vote if midterm elections were held today, only 56% of disaffected voters say the same.
Disaffection and isolation
Almost half (49%) of disaffected people belong to no online community, religious group, political group, labor union, or other community space. The study identifies these collective spaces—called “civic homes”—as crucial for developing a sense of belonging and agency that translates into belief in the power of voting to drive change. Even small increases in feelings of belonging within a civic home are associated with significant increases in voting and other civic actions.
“They want to see progress on issues they care about. They just don’t see the connection between voting and making their lives better,” the article states, summarizing the disaffected mindset.
Examples of civic homes
In Nevada, Angeles, a car wash supervisor struggling to cover rent, attended a Make the Road Nevada meeting where she heard neighbors share similar struggles. Through Know Your Rights workshops, she learned about voting and felt included. This year, she will cast her first ballot as a US citizen, not because a campaign reached her, but because “her people did.”
In Pennsylvania, Power Interfaith runs Soul Food Dinners where young, disaffected Black people—especially young men—have honest conversations over a meal. The program focuses on those skeptical about civic engagement and voting but guided by faith.
Georgia Alliance’s We the People initiative hosts intergenerational conversations between younger and older Black people to rebuild agency and belonging. Pre- and post-event surveys showed increased feelings of power on both sides, a measure correlated with voter turnout.
In North Carolina, North Carolina Asian Americans Together hosts Mahjong nights with communal hotpot meals for people in their late teens and 20s. The blend of familiar foods, games, and conversations creates comfort before inviting civic engagement.
Deep relational work and hope
Building trust and belonging is deep relational work that takes time, but the payoff is powerful. Transactional engagement is compared to a “sugar rush,” while supporting people to become powerful civic actors yields durable results. The article points to Elnora Gavin in Benton Harbor, Michigan, who organized with We the People Michigan to win $114 million in school debt relief for majority-Black school districts.
The authors, Julie Fernandes of the Democracy & Power Innovation Fund and Katrina Gamble of Sojourn Strategies, conclude that everyday people standing up, getting organized, and driving change is a tremendous source of hope. In turbulent times, people are choosing people-centered organizations where they can find belonging, develop collective agency, and make a better future possible.
