A Heartland Scene: Democracy Writ Small

A heartland scene: Democracy writ small

The village egg toss on the Fourth of July sings of democracy to me. An exuberant gaggle of 100-plus people lined up for the competition. A little bit of everybody joined in, all ages, sizes and colors, with partners. The playing field by the fire station and elementary school filled up in an overflowing line. The price: free. The teenage girls with us were ready to rock the egg toss. My brother-in-law and I decided to try our hand. Under the su…

Democracy vouchers are a vote for democracy

After more than five years knocking on other people’s doors to talk about democracy vouchers, 2025 is the first year that I can finally use them myself. I came to the United States as an undocumented immigrant, and early this year got my legal permanent residency. Although I still cannot vote, Seattle’s democracy voucher program will allow me to donate four $25 vouchers to local candidates of my choice.