voting day

Sunday October 3 is voting day here. Country-wide they'll be voting for their mayors. It's really different here than in the states. Absolutely everything will be closed, so we need to make sure we have all the food we need in the house. And unlike the United States where only the patriotic go to vote, every single person is required by law to show up at the polls and vote. If they don't, they'll be fined 180 soles (about $60 which is a lot here). The fine is simply attached to their personal identification in the computers, so whenever they go to get some paperwork done it will come up that they have to pay that 180 soles before they can get anything done. Even though all the Witnesses here are neutral politically, they go to the polls and mark everything so they haven't voted for anyone.

The campaigning has been ridiculous! I don't know if it's just because I didn't grow up here, but it's disgusting to me. I know politicians in the whole world are corrupt, but in South America there is so much more blatant unhidden corruption. I've already learned about so much, from mayors who give themselves 8 consecutive raises while in office, to the way the entire police force is based on a system of bribes from the bottom to the top. The pictures on the campaign posters of the men don't hide a thing. You couldn't find a more cliche corrupt-looking guy if you tried- overweight, unfriendly eyes but big fake smile, wrinkly face, and a snotty confidence that says 'I can do what I want! Who's gonna stop me?' The most disappointing thing is seeing the people embrace and believe in a certain candidate. They know that the politicians in general are corrupt, but they really think they found the one person who will be an exception?

It's so nice to belong to an organization united in waiting for the one worthy candidate.