This data is collected using the Jersey Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (JOLS) which surveys a representative sample of adults in Jersey. JOLS asks adults if they have engaged in at least one of the following civic activities in the previous 12 months: signed a petition (either paper or an e-petition); voiced your opinion to a politician or government official; taken part in a public consultation; and, taken part in a lawful public demonstration.

The significant increase in civic activity since 2013 can be attributed to far greater use of petitions, notably e-petitions. In January 2018, the States Assembly unanimously agreed that there should be an online facility for petitions to make it easier for Islanders to make their views known to the States Assembly. In 2013, about 18% of JOLS respodents said they had signed a petition. In 2019, by comparison, 43% of JOLS respondents said they had signed an e-petition in the last 12 months.