You ask "...why does it seem that most people equate/define democracy as voting?"

This may be because voting might indicate that everyone can participate in government. However, when there is one party rule, or one party is able to grab power against the 'will of the people' through gerrymandering, or other such devices - say, concentrating on small, but influential office elections that many might ignore - then disproportionate influence can be manufactured. (I think George Washington was against having political parties, and perhaps this is why.)

There is also a great deal of misinformation, disinformation, and lack of rigor on the part of the public in learning the truth of current events.

When people think that a vote will really count - 'one person, one vote' - that may be the heart of democracy. However, since many do not pay attention to the manipulations going on around them, and misinformation or disinformation, their votes may be manipulated or not count the way they might expect.

Democracy is always under attack by authoritarianism. The strength of democracy, letting the people rule, also makes it easy to undermine. When it is taken for granted, it may be lost.

PS - As for "open texture" and "good solutions," I'd say it apparent that any government that could be called a democracy/republic could promote that, and likely better than other forms of government. However, a benevolent king might as well, for as long (or short of a time) as that might last. More likely authoritarianism will result in military imperialism, as with Putin.