Observing the U.S. Electoral Process

A voter selects his choices in a party primary in Jackson, Mississippi. (Photograph by Rogelio V. Solis © AP Images)

Mariyam Siddiqui, a journalist with Urdu Hindi weekly Jadeed Markaz, explored American democracy during an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on the U.S. electoral process earlier this year. The IVLP is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program for current and emerging foreign leaders. Program participants cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts through short-term visits to the United States.

Siddiqui says that gaining an inside view into the U.S. electoral process has enriched her understanding of democratic governance, offering fresh insights to her journalistic work. “The visit helped me see how democracies function,” she says.

Siddiqui holds degrees in history and social work from Delhi University and Jamia Millia Islamia, respectively, and has been working for the Lucknow-based weekly for 14 years. She also works as a senior associate on the academics team at the Indian School of Development Management.

Excerpts from an interview.

Please tell us about your IVLP experience and key takeaways.

The IVLP experience was enriching and thought-provoking. Through the program I met professionals, leaders, and voters – opportunities that an independent trip to the United States would not have provided. Sessions focused on the role of multimedia and print journalism provided valuable insights into how a country relies on one of the most essential pillars of democracy. The interactive sessions deepened my understanding of what people expect from their elected leaders.

Mariyam Siddiqui participated in an IVLP on the U.S. electoral process. (Photograph courtesy Mariyam Siddiqui)

To what extent could you understand the functioning of the U.S. electoral process?

It was quite confusing at first, but the electoral process at the local, state and federal levels became clearer with every session and interaction. The concept of primaries was new for me, and Super Tuesday provided an exciting opportunity to watch the process live and meet local candidates and voters.

What were your takeaways about the roles of diversity and individualism in the U.S. electoral landscape?

I must admit that many of my stereotypes about the United States were challenged during this trip. My understanding of diversity also evolved. People’s issues varied based of their ethnic, religious and social groups, and they did not shy away from voicing their opinions. It was wonderful to witness how second-generation migrants have been elected as representatives and how they work to resolve conflicts.

Individualism is also valued—people make independent choices, which is reflected in the way states can shift between Republican and Democratic majorities every few years.

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