Witnessing democracy in action

What an exciting time to pay attention to politics — a reluctant topic that has resulted in heated discussions with family, friends and neighbors.

But as I entered Meridian Park Elementary to observe my first caucus on Feb. 9, I quickly learned discussing politics can be anything but taboo.

Line organizers and volunteers were ready to direct me to my precinct. Yet, being some 15 miles away from my actual precinct, I merely showed my press badge, stated I was there to observe and moved with the greatest swarm of people into the school’s cafeteria.

The scene was comparable to a joint school assembly, only the surprisingly large turnout meant spaces to sit and walls to lean against were sparse. It was noisy. It was exciting. I was hooked.

In my observer seat I tried to move unnoticeably from table to table of neighbors who voted for Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton. Although final results across the state placed Obama with a strong lead over Clinton in the Democratic race, the numbers only tell part of the story.

One by one I watched neighbors of different precincts speak on behalf of their chosen candidate. People of all types spoke passionately and convincingly, often pulled into the middle of their group for all to hear.

A 17-year-old student asked his neighbors to listen to younger voters who favor Obama. Another woman voiced her respect for Clinton. Still another resident proudly supported Dennis Kucinich to send a message to her party that she is not entirely happy with either of the party’s two frontrunners. So this is what they mean by democracy at its grassroots, I thought.

Crossing party lines that day only meant crossing the street to the Aurora Church of the Nazarene. A packed house meant the church’s sanctuary had to be opened and neighbors discussed issues such as immigration, education and abortion from pews. Although John McCain was later announced to be the state’s party winner, residents spoke in favor of other candidates. One woman said she wanted to vote for Mitt Romney and probably still would, while another person spoke in favor of Ron Paul.

At one point, a resident staunchly questioned how another could be undecided. With so much time left until we cast our final votes in November, I can’t imagine a better time for someone to be undecided. Perhaps those undecided voters will keep neighbors talking, debating and informally caucusing into November.

While choosing delegates, two children enthusiastically raised their hands to be considered. They were the first ones to volunteer. The precinct committee officer smiled and said, “Maybe in a few years.” For the sake of democracy, I hope that’s the case.