CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A new WalletHub report used data across several metrics to create a ranked list of states with the highest political engagement among Black voters.
The report comes after researchers noted the difference in turnout between Black and white voters when analysts were looking at the 2020 presidential election. That research showed a noticeable gap in participation, with 71% of white Americans taking to the polls and 63% of Black Americans doing the same.
With the presidential primaries underway, WalletHub used five metrics to compare 49 states on Black political engagement. The metrics included Black voter turnout in the 2020 presidential election, Black voter turnout in the 2022 midterm elections, Black voter registration in the 2020 presidential election, Black voter registration in the 2022 midterm elections, and proportional representation of Black people in the House of Representatives.
Idaho was not included due to data limitations, according to WalletHub.
As for the rankings, here’s where the Carolinas stand: North Carolina is closer to the top of the list, ranking 14th in highest political engagement, and South Carolina follows behind at number 20.
WCNC Charlotte caught up with WalletHub’s team on what's causing the difference in engagement between states.
"According to the experts we asked, low voter turnout among Black voters is primarily due to historical disenfranchisement, systemic discrimination and the inequality resulting from that, including disparities in education, socioeconomic status and political representation," WalletHub's Christie Matherne said.
Contact Kia Murray at kmurray@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.