“Are you going to watch the election?” Maria asked. She was cleaning up the evening dishes. “I want to see who won before I go to work.”
“Is that tonight?” The television was playing some telenovela that Maria liked to watch. Juan had been scrolling on his cell phone, ignoring it.
“Ay guau!” Maria’s expression of surprise was meant to tease. “All this talk about your first election, and you don’t even know what day it is?”
Juan laughed and aimed the remote at the TV, changing the channel to Univision.
It was fascinating to watch… for a while. The Univision studio had been transformed into an “Election Headquarters” complete with large screens and maps displaying the incoming election results. The anchors talked incessantly about exit polls and early results, but as the hours passed, they could only conclude that the race was still too close to call.
“I’ve got to go.” Maria placed some leftovers in her lunchpail. “If they get done before you go to bed, text me and let me know who won, OK?”
Juan promised, kissed her, and walked her to the door. Before returning to his chair, he went to the refrigerator and got a Coors Light.
Juan was intrigued by the expert analysis offered by pollsters and representatives from both parties. As the night wore on, they started calling the states in the Eastern time zone. Indiana and Kentucky both came in for Trump, followed by Vermont with a resounding win for Biden.
A little while later, an extremely tight race in Michigan was called for Biden. The anchors were going wild speculating on the significance of that development.
Juan looked at his watch. It was still relatively early in the evening in Arizona. But the polls were scheduled to close in a couple of hours. It was a special night, so he thought he’d treat himself to another beer before heading to bed. I’ll find out who won tomorrow.
They announced Wisconsin was being called for Biden when breaking news interrupted the broadcast.
“Good evening, I’m Juan Rodriguez, and this is Breaking News Tonight on Univision. Our top story: It's a historic night filled with anticipation and excitement. Across Arizona, polling stations have reported record turnout, with voters eager to exercise their democratic right and make their voices heard."
What’s this? Juan thought. Arizona’s in the news?
The broadcaster continued confidently, "It's important to note the efforts made by election officials, volunteers, and observers to ensure a fair and efficient process. From early voting to today's turnout, every step has been taken to uphold the integrity of our democracy."
"All right!" Juan shouted at the TV. "Looks like there's not going to be so many problems this time."
The broadcaster continued, “Across the state, voters have turned out in record numbers, eager to exercise their democratic rights. Long lines snaked through neighborhoods, but voters remained patient, determined to have their voices heard."
Maybe it was the extra beer, but Juan felt a little like he was at a ball game rooting for his favorite team, “C’mon Joe Biden! Arizona's gonna show the country how to just vote and keep it clean!"
They cut to a live shot at a different location. “According to the Communications Director of the Maricopa County Board of Elections, this election has been a testament to Arizona's commitment to transparency and fairness. From the meticulous preparation of ballots to the rigorous training of poll workers, every step has been taken to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.”
Once again, Juan thought about what Tio Pablo had told him about Arizona’s elections, “Votes don’t make Presidents,” he’d said. “I do.”
"Despite countless social media conspiracy theories, officials from multiple agencies affirm that there is no evidence of fraudulent ballot counts or insecure drop boxes in Maricopa County." A lady reporter back in the newsroom was saying earnestly. "As the night unfolds, we'll continue to bring you updates on the Arizona 2024 presidential election. Stay tuned as we witness democracy in action."
You were wrong, uncle, Pable thought. Democracy is bigger than your corrupt schemes.