Citizen Revolt: March 15
Attend Utah Caucus Night, get the scoop on GRAMA and hear from an author on today's democracy.
By Katharine Biele @kathybiele
Democracy Reading
Do you wonder what's happening to our democracy, or even if it still exists? Yascha Mounk will read from and sign his new nonfiction book,The People vs. Democracy: Why Our Freedom Is in Danger & How to Save It at this important event. The talk is co-sponsored by Better Boundaries, leading the state's redistricting effort. In his nonfiction book, Mounk explores democracy around the world. "Thisis the first book to go beyond a mere description of the rise of populism," according to the event's website, and will help you assess the risks and find a way to preserve democracy. Signed books are available for $29.95. The King's English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East, 801-484-9100, Saturday, March 17, 7 p.m., free, bit.ly/2Hk1grJ.
Grama Training
As evidenced by this week's cover story, it's almost Sunshine Week—a time when we are reminded of how it used to be when government was for the people, and information flowed both ways. To that end, join GRAMAmania! for a half-day training about how to get public records through the Government Records and Management Act and the Freedom of Information Act. You will hear from the GRAMA (Government Records Access and Management Act) ombudsman and Utah's investigative reporters, learn the how-to's and explore databases. The answers are there—you just have to find them. Weber State University, Elizabeth Hall, 1395 Edvalson St., Ogden, free, March 17, 9 a.m.-noon, RSVP on Facebook, bit.ly/2FLAlIl.
Caucus Night
You know that big, internal struggle the GOP is having about ballot access? Well, here's your chance to make a difference in the party of your choice—no matter what happens. Utah's parochial little "mass" meeting system encourages you to go to a neighborhood location and choose the delegate who will vote on the party's candidate. It's a one-night-only event and has tended to bring out the fringes from each party. Go ahead, give it a try. Become a delegate. On Utah Caucus Night, your chances are better than ever of becoming an insider. If you're a delegate, you might be able to change the direction of your party. Your 'hood, Tuesday, March 20, 7-9 p.m., free, (GOP) bit.ly/2tsMyNb, (Dems) utahdemocrats.org, (other registered parties) bit.ly/2tt9aNF.
About The Author
Katharine Biele
A City Weekly contributor since 1992, Katharine Biele is the informed voice behind our Hits & Misses column. When not writing, you can catch her working to empower voters and defend democracy alongside the League of Women Voters.
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