TEXAS – A new study by the University of Texas at Austin revealed that the Lone Star State ranks at the bottom of the charts for political participation and civic involvement nationwide.

The report, by the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life, highlights Texas’ need to promote and support civic engagement as the Texas primaries are swiftly approaching.

Out of the 50 states, Texas ranked number 47 in voter turnout and 44th in voter registration.

“Due in part to our size and in part to our growth, Texas continues to fall behind the bulk of the nation when it comes to measures such as voting and civic involvement,” said Susan Nold, director of the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life.

One of the reasons for low voter turnout, cited by the study, is that Texans regularly don’t like the candidates and the issues in the state’s elections.

Additionally, only 23 percent of Texans say they talk about politics with friends and family.

The Civic Health Index points to higher levels of education directly correlating to political participation.

“This report sheds light on the necessity of teaching and practicing civic engagement in Texas,” Nold said. 

While voter registration has ended for the Texas primaries, early voting begins on Feb. 20 and ends on March 2.