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New Jerseyans share their stories and ideas about our democracy.

New Jersey's Democracy Conversation

In spring 2022, the New Jersey Council for the Humanities collected hundreds of responses from individuals throughout the state as part of our Democracy Conversation Project. Via both an online form and "ballot boxes" located at partner sites throughout the state, New Jerseyans provided their thoughts in response to four questions about our democracy:

  • What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
  • What do you remember about the first time you voted?
  • What does it mean to be a good citizen?
  • Why is voting important to you?

Responses were accepted in written, audio, video, and visual formats. They were compiled and displayed in interactive format on this page, below. Responses can be filtered by age of the respondent (when provided), as well as keyword tag, question prompt, and response type.

Visualizing Democracy Commissions

In summer 2023, NJCH announced the commissions of two projects aiming to explore, analyze, and visualize the responses in new and interactive ways. Commissions were awarded in response to a call for proposals.

What does it mean to be a good citizen?

The first project, above, is a brief animated video exploring the themes found in responses to the question "What does it mean to be a good citizen?" The video was created by filmmaker April Merl of South Orange.

The Misinformation Newspaper

The second project, above, is a digital newspaper expounding on DCP responses related to misinformation as a challenge to democracy. It was created by artist and educator Melody Marshall of Woodbury.

All Responses

Filters

“Aware of issues that impact their community”

Anonymous
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“An informed individual”

Avery
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Willingness to work for community betterment”

Anonymous
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Failing to listen to the concerns of community members”

Anonymous
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

“Respects the rights and well-being of others”

Anonymous
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Elect people you want”

Ave
Why is voting important to you?

“Involved in elections”

Ave
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Allows a community to have a say”

Princess
Why is voting important to you?

“Improving community standards”

Princess
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Holding elected officials accountable”

Sharonda
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Put their voice in the room beyond voting’

Anonymous
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Voting truly does effect the community”

Anonymous , 18
Why is voting important to you?

“Being welcoming to those joining their community”

Kalista , 18
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Wants the best for everyone”

Anonymous , 18
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Ensuring the intentions of politicians are good”

Anonymous , 18
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

“Respect and appreciate diversity”

Trenton citizens
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Knowledgeable of the consequences of their action”

Trenton citizens
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Community involved”

Anonymous
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Advocating for less fortunate members of your society”

Trenton citizens
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Proactive in making a positive difference”

Anonymous , 18
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Division has clouded our democracy”

Mackenzie , 18
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

“There must be a good and just leader”

Mackenzie , 18
Why is voting important to you?

“Helps around the community”

Mackenzie , 18
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Caring for your community”

Allison , 14
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Start with the person and the nation will follow”

RS , 48
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Be responsible for your own actions”

Bryan , 37
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“A good citizen is involved in their community”

Rose , 57
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Dismissing whole communities from voting”

Anonymous
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

“Making a difference”

Emilia , 20
Why is voting important to you?

“To ensure social justice protects me”

Jennifer , 50
Why is voting important to you?

“Being nice to everyone you meet”

Henry , 9
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Be respectful”

Emily , 10
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Pick up garbage for your community”

Sasha , 8
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“make democracy happy”

Idannis
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Pride and fear”

Marsha , 70
What do you remember about the first time you voted?

“It’s a sermon because we are talking about how we believe”

Michael , 77
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

“Wide chasm of civic discourse”

Miriam , 68
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“We have a hard time finding common ground”

Ariana , 44
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

“Moral relativism ends in the chaos of every man for himself”

Anonymous
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

“We turn inward, harden our own beliefs”

Brian , 59
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

“To help your community grow better together”

Barbara , 70
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“To be informed about issues facing your community”

Madhura , 55
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Helping others in the smallest of ways can make a huge impact”

Maya , 14
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Why live in a world you have no say in”

Azirah , 16
Why is voting important to you?

“Making your community a better place”

Andrea , 11
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“To give back to the community”

Faith , 18
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Aware of current events”

Eva , 18
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“A good citizen is aware of the whole story”

Melanie , 18
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Being up to date with what is happening in politics”

Erjana , 18
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Caring for your community and environment”

Madeleine , 18
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Help out in society and contribute to the community”

Angelina , 18
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Provide for the community and obey laws”

Gabrielle , 18
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Using skills or talents to contribute to society”

Jayden , 18
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“The lack of unity”

Gabriella , 18
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

“Getting involved in one’s community”

Swathi , 18
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Always involved in their community”

Amy , 18
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“It means that I have a voice in my community”

Swathi , 18
Why is voting important to you?

“I can be part of a group”

Maddeine , 18
Why is voting important to you?

“takes individual responsibility”

Greg , 28
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“a commitment to serve the greater good”

Leslie
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“committed to public service”

Ariel , 38
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“do service”

Maria , 51
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“active participant”

Anonymous
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“to help”

Anonymous
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“I was helping shape the course of our country”

Kasey , 24
What do you remember about the first time you voted?

“Help the elderly people and the community of need”

Mina , 9
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Help the community”

Niya , 9
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“A good citizen prioritizes our interconnectedness over individualism”

Larissa , 56
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“The challenge to each of us to *listen*”

Roberta , 56
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

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