Election Day

Thursday was local election day, and as I've recently come of age, I was able to post my ballot paper into a steel box which, I assume, was probably lost soon afterwards.

All day I'd thought about my choice... do I stand up for my principles and vote for a party that most definitely wouldn't get in? Or do I vote for the party that provide a stronger opposition for the Conservatives?

Thoughts of decision-making clouded my mind as I walked into my village hall, to cast my vote.

I'd expected the place to be packed full of local people exercising their constitutional right, a right that thousands have died for in the course of history. But no, it was just me. I guess that's what happens when you vote at 9pm in a small village in England, but it still made me feel self conscious.. I almost shouted at the dour-faced stewards that they could just put me down as Conservative, and I'd just leave...But I stood my ground, and under the reproachful gazes of blue predators, I took my paper to a booth.

I looked at the sheet. I turned it over. I tried to find a second sheet, but nothing. Three choices?!

All day I'd been panicking over the major decision, and when it came down to it, my choices were threefold:
Green Party. (Represented by a boy from my school.)
Liberal Democrat Party
Conservative Party.

I put an X by the only real choice, and plopped it into the ballot-box. A feeling of rebellion and pride swept over me; I'd cast a vote for humanism.

That said, as I walked out of the hall, into the cold, dark air, I bumped into some neighbours of mine, on their way to vote.
"Two of you?" I thought..."One of me?" I looked at the 'Vote Conservative' badges on their lapels.

Bugger.