Breaking this news on the Fourth of July feels a bit off, but it’s time for Texas to step up its patriotism. While I was looking for a positive Fourth of July story for our great state, I couldn’t help but find something surprising. Texas ranks in the bottom five states for patriotism in America, according to a recent survey by Wallethub.
I was shocked to learn that Texas is ranked 45th out of 50 states for patriotism. I had expected us to be in the top ten, proudly waving our red, white, and blue, but apparently, there’s some work to be done. The survey took into account factors like military service, voter participation, and volunteerism to determine each state’s ranking.
What Drove Texas to the Bottom?
Texas’ low ranking can largely be blamed on voter turnout in the 2024 presidential election. The survey found that Texas had the second-lowest voter turnout in the nation, just ahead of Arkansas. Despite our pride and patriotism, the lack of participation in elections hurt our ranking significantly.
A Bright Spot for Texas: Military Service
There’s one area where Texas does shine. The state ranks third in military enlistees, trailing only Alaska and Georgia. This is a positive reflection of the state’s strong military culture and commitment to national service.
Can Texas Do Better?
It’s disappointing to see Texas ranked so low, but there’s hope for improvement. With increased voter participation and more people getting involved in volunteer activities, Texas could easily rise above the bottom five. Let’s aim to do better next year and show the nation just how patriotic Texas can truly be.