The presidential election approaches swifter than a Nazgul. And like a Nazgul, it has brought much dread to citizens far and wide.
Warning: this is a political post. Further reading may cause extreme bouts of depression, anger, and/or cynicism.
Then again, it’s definitely not what you think.
Today, we’re taking a brief break from the Pop Culture Q&A series to focus on a vital topic.
Speculative Fiction Election 2016
As November looms, politics is on the mind of almost everyone. Opinions abound. Stories surface about this candidate and that candidate.
Time to insert some fictional sanity to this mess that puts even your most cluttered room to shame—and that’s saying something. You may have seen memes or jokes scampering around the internet, proclaiming such things as…
Funny? Yes.
Unrealistic? Well…
These humorous jabs at the entire election process this year bring out an interesting point. What if we could vote for fictional characters?
If you follow the SpecFaith site where I’m a weekly contributor, this may sound familiar. Too familiar. As in, “Wait, didn’t this vote-for-characters thing just happen?”
Will I have to sue myself to plagiarizing myself? Is that even a thing? Either way, fear not. This is a different take on the same concept. A much broader approach.
This time, instead of me bringing forth worthy candidates, that job is up to you. What characters from fiction do you love? Who do you think would make the best president? The decisions in such pressing matters rest upon your shoulders.
This is a fun opportunity to get in election season mode and vote for spec-fic characters along the way.
Ever wanted Gandalf to be in the White House? Have you pictured Hermione Granger taking the oath of office? Then this election is for you.
Election Rules and Details
- Starting today, voting opens and will run for two weeks (Oct. 20 – Nov. 3).
- Voting will take place in the *poll below*.
- You may vote for ONE CHARACTER ONLY.
- At the end of the two weeks, whichever character has garnered the most votes will be declared the winner.
- Spread the news on social media to fellow spec-fic readers and writers. Get people out to vote. 😉
- If you’re a blogger or know blogging friends who may want to get involved, that’s great. Write up a blog post about why people should vote for a certain character. If you do, please send them here in order to actually vote. 🙂
- Even if you’re not a blogger, feel free to write a brief “political” post on Facebook explaining why people should vote for your favorite character (with a link back to this post).
- I’ll post updates on social media.
Have any questions? Did I miss anything? Let me know on social media, via email, or here in the comments.
19 thoughts on “Vote for Spec-Fic Characters”
Captain America!
High King Peter! I mean, if Aslan appointed him, he has to be the right man for the job!
Great point, Becky.
Aral Vorkosigan. Because he’s fearless, highly intelligent, and has experience navigating fiercely opposed political parties and running an Empire. He understands holding a position of power without abusing it, and turning it over to the next guy in better shape than when he got it.
And because his wife Cordelia makes a great First Lady.
Okay, I had to look him up, because I had no idea who he was. :-/
Sounds like you have solid reasons supporting your decision, Teddi.
Eland Venture from Mistborn. He inherited a world on the edge of an apocalypse so he has experience with things others consider hopeless.
Ah yes. Good old Elend. Definitely qualified give his background.
Ooh, tough one! I’m going with Aslan though. He really just seems the best man (or lion) for the job. 🙂 This really is a fun idea! Can’t wait to see who wins.
Yep, pretty hard to go wrong with Aslan.
Thanks, Madeline. I’m excited to see how things go. 🙂
Aragorn son of Arathorn (Lord of the Rings) he and Arwen would rule fairly and kindly. He is humble and has a servant-leader attitude… as well as plenty of experience as a leader.
Great choice, Jenelle. Aragorn has a lot of things going for him.
I had to go with Cap A. I don’t believe any of the others are actually U.S. citizens so…
But even neglecting that requirement, Steve Rogers is someone who I think could be counted on to do the right thing even if it made him unpopular.
Hahaha, great point, DJ. *Technically* that doesn’t matter for this election, but it’s still hilarious to consider.
Totally agree about Cap.
Yoda is clearly missing from this list!
Ohh, yeah. Completely forgot Yoda. But that’s when the “other” option comes in handy. 🙂
So now I’m confused. Are we supposed to vote in the comments section, or use the voting form in the post?
Sorry for the confusion. I originally had it as the comments, but then at someone’s suggestion I changed it to the voting poll.
I had to vote for High King Peter, but Captain America or Galadriel would both be awesome too…
There’s just too many good people!
I know, it’s a hard choice for sure. But in a good way. 😛