If you’re one of those eternal optimists, feel free to view voter turnout numbers the conventional way.

But try turning the number around. For example, a 17 percent turnout actually means 83 percent of the registered voters stayed home. Depressing? Well, that’s peanuts compared to a new look at civic participation courtesy of our friends at Democracy N.C.

Bob Hall, the group’s director recently sent around a press release noting this state’s rankings compared to the other 49.

A few facts quoted in the release:

• Young adults are more likely to be binge drinkers than voters;
• Only two out of five adults [40.8 percent] bother to vote in the typical state election;
• North Carolinians age 18 to 25 are half as likely to vote as their grandparents;
• More men own guns than cast ballots.
• You can download the report and the Civic Participation Index at www.democracy-nc.org/improving/CPI.pdf

Keep up with the Warp and Woof of Carrboro and surrounding environs at The Mill—the official events, ideas and whatevah blog of The Carrboro Citizen. www.carrborocitizen.com/mill