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REMEMBER THIS FACE: It may be the one you're casting your ballot for in November.
When Virginians cast their ballots on Nov. 4, they’re technically not voting for Sen. Barack Obama or Sen. John McCain, but for "The electors of…" said presidential candidates. Missing from the ballot is an explanation of who these electors are and what purpose they serve.
"People have the notion that electors are this secret group of people somewhere in some room that make decisions for them without their knowledge," said Michael Khandelwal.
Khandelwal is one of those secret people. But he’s finding ways to come outside.
Since 2002, Khandelwal has consistently volunteered as a poll worker and election volunteer. Carrying out his duties with enthusiasm and diligence, Khandelwal rapidly became a hit with the Norfolk Board of Elections. He was invited to the Democrat’s 2nd Congressional District Convention, where the concept of running for the Electoral College first crossed his mind.
"I thought the Electoral College is kind of neat, and even though I’m not sure if it’s the best thing, it’s there," said Khandelwal. "It’d be nice to be involved in it."
Khandelwal went to the Democrat’s statewide convention in June intent on winning one of two remaining positions as elector. While he was a political "newbie" compared to some of the other 34 candidates, he made himself known with a furious campaign — hours were spent introducing himself to as many people as possible, and business cards were passed out touting Khandelwal’s name and desire to be an elector. An impromptu speech in front of the convention pushed him into second place, and Khandelwal became a Democratic elector on his first try.
"The guy has a lot of energy about him, and he definitely has a lot of enthusiasm for politics," said Sean Holihan, who’s worked with Khandelwal as executive vice president of Virginia Young Democrats. "It’s something like what a teenager would bring to their first race; the guy really gets involved."
Since the convention, Khandelwal has focused his energy on expanding his role as an elector. With approval from the Democratic Party of Virginia, he designed a website promoting the Democratic electors: virginiaelectoralcollege.org. The site includes profiles of each elector, resources explaining the role of the Electoral College and rules specific to Virginia’s electors, and campaign information for Barack Obama and Democratic candidates for offices in Virginia.
Khandelwal hopes the website can put voters in touch with Democratic electors. Information about each candidate is included, revealing a broad demographic of electors: there are students, government employees, businessmen and women, and even a former Virginia state delegate. Khandelwal himself has multiple jobs: he’s a freelance writer, a teacher at The Muse Writers Center, and works for the American Council on Education. They are average folks who want to represent Virginians—if they’ll vote for Obama.
In Virginia, there are six sets of electors — one for each candidate on the ballot — and 13 electors for each set. The 13 electors match the state’s representation on Capitol Hill: 11 representatives, one from each congressional district, and two senators, the electors for which are elected at-large like Khandelwal was. Democrats, Republicans, and Libertarians alike all try to get to Richmond to vote for their pledged candidate in December.
In the 2nd district, David Nygaard was elected as a Republican elector. Nygaard has a history of helping the Republican Party, and his ties to McCain run deep; Nygaard’s father went to the Naval Academy with McCain. Though financial burdens at his chain of jewelry stores have made campaigning difficult of late, Nygaard also takes pride in the role of elector.
"I can’t imagine not (campaigning)," said Khandelwal. "And I think everyone does. I’m just trying to formalize it in this one instance."
Until then, Khandelwal will continue to campaign for Obama with the same verve and tenacity that made him an elector. He has the help of 10 of the other Democratic electors, who’ve made themselves available for speeches and events. Virginia has been named as a potential swing state, though history is not on the Democrat’s side; Virginia has voted for Republican presidential candidates in every election since 1964. That won’t stop Khandelwal from trying.
"What a thrill it would be to cast those votes," said Khandelwal, "knowing those votes are going to improve the lives of millions of people in this country and around the world. It’s a wonderful thought." | 
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