Digging the Dugway?: Understanding Involvement in Local Politics

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2009

Volume

40

Issue

3

First Page

262

Last Page

274

Abstract

This research examines what motivates residents to become involved in a community-based issue, focusing on how living in close proximity, trust in local officials, and perceptions of decision-making processes influence involvement in a Utah community. Delving into a particular issue provides an opportunity to explore relationships shaping how local politics play out. This study finds that living in close proximity and trust matter in motivating involvement in local politics, while process-based arguments tied to the issue regarding resident expectations do not influence involvement in this case. The results thus suggest that neither lack of trust nor dissatisfaction appears to have a detrimental influence on local democratic processes. Indeed, it appears that in this community a healthy dose of skepticism can promote active engagement with local politics.

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