The Gatekeepers of Democracy

The Gatekeepers of Democracy is the story of an election. But unlike most works of political fiction which concentrate on the candidates and their campaigns, Gatekeepers sees events through the eyes of the unsung heroes of the American political process: the women and men who volunteer to serve as election officers.

The holiday season has come to a close and politics could not be further from people’s minds. However the citizens of Virginia’s 48th state senate district are in for rare treat. A recent resignation has thrown open a state senate seat, a seat that so happens will determine which party will control the legislature. So on Tuesday January 6, citizens will have the opportunity to choose in this “special” election. The county Office of Elections is busy contacting volunteers to serve as election officers for the day.

Carl Marsden has served as chief election officer at his precinct for the past several years. A software engineer by profession, his true passion is the electoral process and he takes great pride in the manner in which he runs his precinct, ensuring that the letter of every law is strictly adhered to. The problem is that Carl is a Republican and the Democrats have just won control of the statehouse in Richmond, the result being that Carl has been “demoted” to assistant chief to make room for a new chief who will be a Democrat.

Enter Cindy Phelps, marketing rep, party girl, nominal Democrat, and newly appointed chief election officer whose only interest in the electoral process is getting “community service” added to her resume. Cindy completely underestimates what is necessary to prepare for Election Day. Carl is not pleased. Carl tends to lecture and preach. Cindy is not pleased. And yet they must work together.

The Gatekeepers of Democracy is the story of two citizens of different political persuasions, temperaments, and priorities who somehow must rise above their mutual animosity to serve the citizens of their precinct. Together through a grueling sixteen hour day, they battle malfunctioning equipment, implacable partisans, political dirty tricks, deteriorating weather, and most of all each other in the pursuit of that goal. If you have ever served as an election officer, have considered serving, or are just interested in what happens at a precinct on Election Day then this is the book for you.