If democracy were seen as a ladder, then this office might very well be its first rung up from the floor.

It's an elected position that holds few perks but a title and many hours in meetings away from families and evening meals.

The "junkets" for these elected officials usually do not mean overseas trips to exotic locations as "fact-finding" missions. In fact, most conferences are in-state.

The pay is a stipend -- a token amount that only makes a feeble attempt at compensating its officers for the time they put into their duties. The really conscientious officials spend more of their time than the monthly meetings require, touring their districts and getting to know their constituents.

It's ironic too -- the most visible of their constituents can't even vote. The exception to this is a very small minority that age out of the official's district - and care - by the time they gain the right to vote.

The elected office?

School board.

During this cycle, the three school districts in Barnwell County have 10 candidates scattered between them.

It's good to see such a higher than average participation in the school board elections this time. There have been too many elections where the incumbents have rolled into another term, unchallenged.

And unquestioned.

Some people have noted the interest this year's board elections is receiving, particularly in the Barnwell 45 race, which has four candidates.

However, this can be a good thing, because it forces candidates, incumbents and constituents to raise questions about each district's respective direction as well as the motives, intent and qualifications of those running.

A populated field of candidates gives voters options - if the voter exercises his or her option to vote. Typically school board elections, because they are held outside of the normal election cycles, have some of the poorest voter participation, usually between 10 to 15 percent.

The April 13 election is likely to be different.

The phrase "for the children" is used a lot in all the districts.

Let's hope all the candidates are running for that reason alone - "for the children" - all of them.