Every functioning democracy depends on certain essentials, but none more basic than consistent participation. For the Vashon‑Maury Community Council (V‑MCC), that means one thing above all: showing up — either in person or via Zoom.

Most of us are familiar with representative democracy, the system in which we elect others to make decisions on our behalf — Congress, state legislatures, county councils. Direct democracy, by contrast, invites citizens themselves to deliberate, decide, and act collectively. Our Community Council is a living example of that form: an open forum where island residents can propose and debate measures, form committees, communicate directly with county and regional agencies, and take collective action to meet our shared challenges as islanders.

But here’s the catch: direct democracy only works when the people themselves are present. Without regular attendance, there is no dependable quorum — the minimum number needed to conduct business — and if there’s no quorum, there’s no voting, no decisions, no formal process at all.

That’s why V‑MCC now needs a core group of 25–30 voting members who can plan to attend consistently—rain or shine. When we meet that quorum of 25, we can conduct community business predictably and efficiently. When we fall short, even simple tasks — making appointments, forming committees, adopting a budget, advancing a project — must be postponed.

This dependable core is not for the sake of bureaucratic housekeeping; it’s the foundation of local democracy. Together, we can sustain an open, nonpartisan space where everyone’s voice is heard and practical solutions can take shape — from improving transportation and public safety to supporting affordable housing to promoting climate resilience, and much more.

If you’re already a voting council member, please plan to attend regularly. If you’re not yet a member, joining is easy: visit v-mcc.org/contact and register as a member. Membership in the council is free and open to all island residents 18 years and older. With rare exceptions, meetings are held the third Thursday of each month, from 7–9 p.m.

Our November 20 Annual Meeting, starting at 7 p.m. (following a 6:30 pm social mixer and cookie celebration), will be held in Lewis Hall (on the hill west of the Burton Community Church) and via Zoom. It will include a panel discussion on island food security. (Please note that we’re skipping December in light of the winter holidays — one of those rare exceptions.) Usually, meetings are held at the Land Trust Building on Bank Road and are always accessible via Zoom.

In an age when politics can feel far away or unresponsive, our Community Council offers something refreshingly close to home: democracy at a human scale. You can see the people you’re talking to, understand the issues firsthand and help shape what happens next.

Direct democracy doesn’t ask for perfection. It asks for presence. The sine qua non of our direct democracy is you.

JC Graham is President of the Vashon‑Maury Community Council. Email JC at President.V-MCC@proton.me or learn more at v-mcc.org.