RVI Report: Perceptions of Rurality and the Role of Government Among Rural Voters

For Democrats to better reach rural voters, they must better understand views of rurality and the perceived rural-urban divide among rural residents as well as the prevailing attitudes toward the role of government among rural voters. The Rural Voter Institute’s research explored these notions with rural voters in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota. 

Consistent themes expressed among rural panelists in focus groups included a sense that rural America, and rural values, are threatened. Panelists described a sense of being forgotten by politicians at the state and federal level and in general policy discussions in the public forum. One Republican panelist described a frustration with being left behind by state politics and a politician at the Capitol saying, “He doesn’t even know we exist up here.” 

Rural voters expressed a sense of safety in their community even as they expressed concerns for the viability of those communities. One respondent referred to “being able to stay in your home community without having to move to a big city.” 

Panelists were generally suspect of government and believed it failed to recognize or address the unique challenges facing rural America or generally overlooked it placing more emphasis on urban and suburban America. 

Quantitative data found effective value in an argument focused specifically on (1) making sure rural communities receive their fair share of state dollars, instead of “almost all” state dollars going to “big cities” and (2) articulating an agenda that includes a “plan [that] improves local roads and bridges, supports small businesses, ensures hospitals and schools get their fair share of state dollars, and expands access to reliable, high-speed internet and cell phone service.” 

Download the report for detailed findings and recommendations.