In a very interesting and well written book by author Bill Lewers, The Gatekeepers of Democracy, readers will find a story that focuses on a part of the political process that they may not have previously been aware of. Showing the backstory and intricacies of the election process, and highlighting the work of election officers, the book follows the story of a particularly difficult election and the officers who worked it. Virginia's 48th state senate district has an open seat, and a special election is in order to fill it. It's not just any seat, however, it's one that will determine which party will control the state legislature. Enter the state election officer, Carl Marsden, who has recently been demoted to an assistant chief, and the new girl on the block, chief election officer Cindy Phelps, and you have a story really worth telling. Will the two be able to put their personal and political differences aside for the good of the state? You'll need to read the book to find out!

I very much enjoyed The Gatekeepers of Democracy. It was very intriguing, and the personal frustrations between the two major characters, Carl and Cindy, was extremely entertaining, but more than that, this book provided a unique political lesson in an area that many may not be familiar with. Author Bill Lewers has done an excellent job in creating interesting and realistic characters that his readers will be able to relate to, as well as a story line that will keep readers turning the pages! Any reader who enjoys a good story with political intrigue, or who enjoys learning while reading for entertainment, should absolutely grab this book. I am pleased to recommend The Gatekeepers of Democracy, and look forward to reading more from Bill Lewers as soon as I possible can!

Bill Lewers’ The Gatekeepers of Democracy is a story that unravels in the state of Virginia where the resignation of the 48th District state senator calls for a special election. What makes this election very crucial is that the result will also decide whether the Republicans or Democrats will get a majority in the state legislature. As is usual, the county Office of Elections calls for volunteers to serve as election officers for the day. With the Democrats winning control of the statehouse, Republican Party member Carl Marsden who has served as chief election officer for many years became assistant election officer. His chief is Cindy Phelps, a Democrat who only volunteered before to make her resume look good. Not ready for the job and faced with bad weather, equipment that does not function, and the dirty tricks of partisan politics, Cindy makes a number of mistakes with Carl looking skeptically over her shoulder.

With the presidential election in the US scheduled soon in November this year, The Gatekeepers of Democracy is a doubly interesting read. Author Bill Lewers brings his readers to an exciting election precinct during a cold day in January, for a full sixteen hours of excitement and adventure. At stake is control of the state legislature in the 48th District of the state of Virginia and the spirit of democracy itself. Cindy does not initially realize the magnitude of her role as chief elections officer. Carl, on the other hand, is more experienced but he has to give way to Cindy. The two, however, have no choice but to make sure that they can serve the voters of their precinct and that election rules are followed to the letter. To make matters worse they have to deal with a lot of other problems aside from their personal differences. Culminating on a winding icy road, The Gatekeepers of Democracy is surprisingly an exciting read!

Just finished reading this book and wanted to say it was an enjoyable and interesting read. The detail that was described in the election polling process was educational. I didn't know how much work went into it; in the past I have just shown up and voted. Now I will be more appreciative of the work all the volunteers put into it. And the interaction between all of the characters, especially the two main persons, kept me reading at a quick pace, waiting to find out what would happen next. Again, a great read.