Only about half of those eligible to vote in Pennsylvania actually cast ballots -- and that lowly figure comes on big-turnout years like presidential elections.

Not only is that a poor showing in terms of citizenship, it becomes a large problem in terms of governance.

In close elections like the 2004 presidential race, relatively small majorities can have a big impact.

For example, less than half the voters in 2004 actually voted for George W. Bush. Combine that with the fact that only half of those eligible actually voted, it means a president was elected with the approval of less than a quarter of the citizenry.

Democracy may literally mean "rule by the many," but that is hardly the case when so few bother to come out and support the eventual winning candidate.

There have been many efforts to boost voter participation. Some -- like motor-voter bills that allow voter registration at the DMV -- create a small spike in registrations, but there is no way to tell whether those people then go out and vote.

One method, however, has proven to get out the vote -- by allowing voters to stay at home. Vote-by-mail initiatives have increased turnout in places like Oregon. Now Pennsylvania is looking to get in the act. A state representative from Philadelphia is calling for hearings on vote-by-mail plans in the state.

Gov. Rendell dismissed the idea previously, but it is worth another look. Oregon now has the third-highest voter-turnout figures, behind two other states that also have more open registration and voting regulations.

Participation is the key to democracy. Without participation, democracy becomes something else -- and that something else is nothing to look forward to.