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In recent years there has been a lot of speculation about democracy and our system of government. Much of it centers on whether our system can survive and whether or not were ripe for being taken over by some kind of strong-arm dictator type. Given what weve seen the last few years and how some people have acted, there is reason for worry and concern.

I have this view because democracys underlying working assumption is that we, the people will do our part. I dont just mean showing up and voting, although that is a good place to start, but doing the mental and intellectual work required to allow democracy to function. The simple question to be answered is: How much time and effort are we willing to give to democracy?

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For many, the time theyre willing to give is confined to voting. Much like C and E Christians those for whom religion means popping into church on Christmas and Easter their involvement is basically limited to every four years when a presidential election comes along. Others might participate a bit more frequently, in mid-term and gubernatorial elections. An even smaller subset of people will turn out to vote in local elections.

Participation through voting, however often one exercises that right, is the minimum we should expect from ourselves and our fellow citizens. Even this basic expectation comes with conditions. For example, you often hear people say, either with pride or contempt, that theyre not going to vote because they dont like any of the candidates as if elections were beauty contests. Others dismiss the whole thing out of hand by claiming Theyre all crooks.

There certainly have been crooks at all levels of government and there will be more in the future, but there are also some incredibly smart and hard-working people trying to accomplish important things. This is always difficult and time consuming in a democracy.

I wonder if it ever occurs to those who dismiss the system as rigged or who scorn everyone in office as crooked that things might get better if they, themselves, invested more time participating in our democracy. I have to believe that these are honest people, folks with integrity, who have to know it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy if they leave the playing field all to the crooks.

I would also suggest that beyond the simple act of voting, people who do so should have a basic working knowledge and awareness of the issues at hand. Without that, a voter cant evaluate effectively the plans and intentions of those seeking office and thus, no way to hold accountable those who are elected. Whats left becomes a personality contest, and the choices are the equivalent of voting for a brand: Are you a Chevy guy or a Ford guy?

Of all the levels of government, local government is the one that is most neglected and least likely to prompt public engagement. Its obvious that only a fraction of eligible voters show up when a municipal election tops a ballot. Yet, much of what occurs in local government has a direct and daily impact on peoples lives.

Beyond that, its also extremely difficult and frustrating to get people to serve on various boards and commissions that exercise power outside a towns main governing body. This occurs with zoning boards, planning boards and library boards, to name a few. For better or worse, some real governing takes place on these local bodies. Its hard to find appointees, who, once they agree to serve, will faithfully attend meetings, take time to become informed on the subject matter at hand, and render decisions for their fellow citizens. The criteria for board members has to be more than simply being able to fog up a mirror.

We are blessed to have the system we have; it didnt just drop out of the sky. We ask a lot of our system, that it give us freedom and power and equality and a voice and choices. Yet, how much time are we willing to give to democracy?

Albert B. Kelly is mayor of Bridgeton. Contact him by phone at 856-455-3230 Ext. 200.

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How much time will we invest in democracy? | Opinion - NJ.com