Saturday 2 July 2016

Day 184 2016: Election sizzle...

Day 184: ...election daze

No not really. How could I, as a professional psephologist, ever be dazed by elections. There are so many on at the moment to have fun with. 

Today was the Australian Federal election, double dissolution, from afar. About midday, I started the trek to the Australian Embassy at the other end of town: walk, bus, train, train, walk, vote, then repeat (except the vote bit of course, I am a professional after all...).

And on the hottest day of the year so far...with a crook knee. But not even a crook knee hampers one's civic duty.

Anyway, as I write, we are still, unusually, awaiting a result. It is very close.

In the meantime, Japan's upper house election is now just eight days away, with things looking interesting. 

So here's an update of the local poster board, including some mischievous 'support no party' posters, possibly supported by the ruling party...

Filling up, with a week to go

How to vote for the 'no party support' group


 And some sunflowers, just because they're there.

Sunflowers, aah

And then all the way to the Embassy, for a security check, the chance to play pick-a-box and get some democracy watermelon...in lieu of the usual sausage. 

The front gate, it's a while since I've been here

Official voting centre

Let the fun begin

Democracy sausage watermelon


I must say, I was surprised to see people from two parties handing out how to vote cards (of sorts) and inside, all was proper and appropriate. 

And a coffee for the voter (paid for by the voter).

Saturday coffee


Another day where one mixes work with the weekend...no complaints really. 

[Camera : Lumix TZ-85, 12.55pm-1.00pm; iPhone 6S, 2.39pm-2.48pm, 3.28pm; 2 July 2016]