Governor Shapiro visits Philadelphia to initiate a 'deliberative polling' experiment, aiming to involve voters from various political spectra in discussions
In a unique endeavour aimed at fostering civic engagement and bridging partisan divides, the first-ever state-focused "America in One Room" event took place in Philadelphia from February 2nd to 4th, 2023. Organised by Helena and Stanford University's Deliberative Democracy Lab, this nonpartisan initiative brought together nearly 200 individuals from across Pennsylvania.
The event, held at the Sheraton hotel in Center City Philadelphia, was attended by Gov. Josh Shapiro on Thursday night. This initiative, different from traditional polls or focus groups, is more expensive due to the coverage of transportation and hotel costs, as well as payment for participants' time.
The event utilised a method known as deliberative polling, a form of public opinion research that provides citizens with more time, information, and opportunities for discussion on complex policy issues. This approach is seen as promising for bridging partisan gaps and offering nonpartisan information to elected officials.
Patrick Dooley, a recovery specialist at the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, was among the participants. Dooley, who leans left, expressed high hopes for finding common ground over the weekend. He attended the event with the intention of engaging with individuals who may not always share his beliefs, in the hope of finding common ground.
The event was designed to resemble the government in Harrisburg, with its divided legislature, and to help participants find ways to bring Republicans and Democrats together to get things done. The event was structured around group discussions on major and controversial issues, with each participant contributing to a representative sample of American citizens, reflecting the diversity of the U.S. population in terms of demographics and political views.
Deliberative polling involves a series of steps, including balanced briefing materials, expert hearings, small group discussions, and pre- and post-process surveys. This method has been used in various countries and on a range of issues, including infrastructure projects in China and gas projects in Tanzania.
Gov. Shapiro, in his speech, emphasised the role of ordinary Americans in driving American history, stating that they, not politicians, have been the catalyst for change. The event's goal of fostering dialogue and understanding among citizens is a testament to this belief.
Notably, State House Speaker Joanna McClinton is scheduled to participate in the event on Saturday. This event, being the first to focus on participants and issues of a single state, was chosen for its outsized role in U.S. national politics. Stanford and Helena launched America in One Room in 2019 and have used the deliberative polling process in national research projects, including the 2020 and 2024 presidential races.
This event marks a significant step towards encouraging productive discourse and fostering understanding among citizens, ultimately aiming to bridge partisan gaps and guide policymaking in a more informed and collaborative manner.
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