The Extraordinary Possibilities of Ordinary People in a Democracy

Next week we will be celebrating the founding of our country, a country founded on the principle that government should be, as Lincoln proclaimed, “of the people, by the people, for the people.” This is a grand concept--democracy—that the people being governed have the power to decide how they will be governed and by whom.

 

But democracy is only democracy if the people—all the people—are willing to be a part of the decision-making process. I came to understand this importance several years ago, almost by chance.

 

I had come to the political meeting as much out of curiosity as a sense of obligation. Paul and I sat in the back, among 20 or 30 people, observing. The time had come to nominate people to serve as the next precinct chair, who would also represent our area at the party conventions. I was curious about the people coming forward to offer their service. As I looked at them, I thought, “Hmm. I could probably do that.”

 

As the current precinct chair said, “Are there any other nominations?” I surprised myself by raising my hand. “I nominate myself.”

 

That is how I entered the world of active civic engagement. That is how I became a full participant in the democratic process.

 

Richard Haas--the author of an excellent book published this year, The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens—explains “What matters in a democracy is not the views of a majority of the populace but those of a majority willing to get involved politically.”

 

Raising my hand, I made the decision to get involved.

 

But for most of my life, I hadn’t. Like most of us, I suppose, I voted, but usually with little knowledge of what would be the best vote. I filled in a bubble on the ballot, hoping the majority would be wise enough to make the right choice.

 

After I was elected as precinct chair that night, everything changed. As chair, I served as delegate to the party’s county and state conventions. I was able to meet all the candidates running for office, to talk to them at length in person or on the phone. I examined their websites and listened to debates. By the time I went to convention, I had an informed opinion on who to vote for. I felt my vote mattered and I was confident in casting it. 

 

As a delegate, I had some special access to candidates, but any voter can study the issues and the candidates to vote knowledgably. Recently, the leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement proclaiming the political neutrality of the church while urging the members of the church to get involved politically.

 

You can find the full text of the letter here, but this is a passage from it. 

“We urge you to spend the time needed to become informed about the issues and candidates you will be considering. . . . Members should also study candidates carefully and vote for those who have demonstrated integrity, compassion, and service to others, regardless of party affiliation.” 

Being informed and getting involved in politics matters. It matters especially because--if you don’t get involved--the democracy will be run by a minority of passionate people who may not represent your views.

 

I saw this in the Utah caucus system. Because a very small number actually attend the neighborhood meetings where the delegates are chosen, those chosen are likely not to represent the opinions of the majority of voters in their area. The people who attend are more likely to be from the passionate minority. This is why I raised my hand. I felt that those nominated were not likely to represent my (more moderate) views on issues.

 

Richard Haas explains “Democracy cannot be a spectator sport. Passivity and opting out simply allow others to choose for you, which almost certainly means advancing their preferences rather than your own.” 

This is just what happens. If everyone does not participate meaningfully in the election, then we are doomed to be led by those who have passionate agendas we may not agree with.

What can we do?

1.     Be informed. Learn about issues and candidates. Talk to people. Talk to people who disagree with you. Find out why they disagree. Read and listen to news sources with differing perspectives. Form a well-informed opinion about important matters. 

2.     Get involved. Attend town meetings, city council meetings, neighborhood/district meetings. 

3.     Vote!

4.     Volunteer—help with campaigns, community projects, or neighborhood service.

5.     And, for the most complete involvement in the democratic process, run for office. 

Harry Emerson Fosdick, a 20^th century New York City pastor, once said, “Democracy is based upon the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people.”

That is why those ordinary people stepped up 248 years ago to create a country different than any other country—one that expects the involvement of the citizens. This country has never been perfect. But it can be good and can become better, if all of us step up to show the “extraordinary possibilities” in ordinary people. 

As we celebrate the founding of our country in the coming days, let’s look for ways to become more involved in the democracy we love.