November 4 — Election Day! I’ve been as caught up as anyone in the unfolding drama that this long campaign season brought here in the U.S., especially since I live in a closely watched state, Virginia. Interest–and now turnout–has been high. We don’t know yet how long the counting will take; it could be a long night or a quick rout, depending on which poll or pundit you believe.
One thing I do know: regardless of who the winner is, in the morning it’ll just be beginning. As important, exciting, and motivating as elections can be, the real work of democracy happens between elections.
How will the winners of the election approach their “mandate” to govern? Will citizens maintain their watchful eye and enthusiastic engagement? Leadership is selected through elections, but there’s much, much more that makes this system work. An unfettered media, transparency in policy- and rule-making, anti-corruption statutes, a professional civil service, public comments on pending legislation, write-your-congressmen campaigns, citizen-organized public advocacy, and yes, even the much-demonized lobbying has a place in a system where citizens are allowed to represent their interests. I’m sure we’ll have lively debates in the coming year(s) about its appropriate place, however!
Every four years, we are presented with the opportunity to refresh our democracy, to renew our commitments to making it work in the intervening years. Tomorrow, we begin again.
Published Date: November 04, 2008