Krist Novoselic of Nirvana a political activist

Actors and musicians often use their celebrity to draw attention to political or social causes.

Rarely, though, do they relish the nitty-gritty the way former Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic does, McClatchy Newspapers report.

A founding member of one of the most influential bands in history, Novoselic also has influenced politics in his rural community in Washington state. The one-time Democratic Party chairman for Wahkiakum County - population 4,000 - Novoselic can speak with authority on such topics as unassembled caucuses.

"I am interested in rules and procedures," Novoselic said of his wonky inclinations. "I know all the party rules and bylaws. I just have a knack for it."

Novoselic, 45, left his county Democratic post ("They weren't really interested in any kind of innovations") and went independent early this year. But he still chairs FairVote, a national nonprofit devoted to election reform and increased voter turnout.

He also is interested in the First Amendment idea of freedom of association, and how social networking fuels association.

"I have been associating ever since my late teens and early 20s, with punk rock," Novoselic said.