Opinions

by All Art Is Quite Useless

Rating: everyone
Tags: Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rainbow Dash, Comedy, Other
Length: 5667

An election looms, and Rainbow only has three hours to put her ballot paper in the box. Will she get there in time? Not if the rest of Equestria have anything to say about it.

An election looms, and Rainbow only has three hours to put her ballot paper in the box. Will she get there in time? Not if the rest of Equestria have anything to say about it.

(Please remember to vote today!)

Published 2017-06-08 18:40:05 UTC
Last updated 2017-06-08 18:40:05 UTC

Our Plan For a Stronger Equestria

Rainbow Dash glided down from her cloud home to the streets of Ponyville, sauntering through the crowds at a slow and relaxed pace. Today felt like a day for walking.

Not long after she had left, she started to notice the vast increase in the number of ponies on the street. A half second of thought later, she concluded that they must be on their way to vote also, and carried on her way unperturbed.

As Rainbow neared the schoolhouse (which had been haphazardly fashioned into a makeshift polling station at a moment’s notice), she realised just how many ponies had decided to congregate around it. Maybe she shouldn’t have left home so early.

Turning, she considered stopping at a nearby cafe and grabbing an iced tea, a great drink for a hot summer’s day. Plan in mind, she picked up the pace, turning a corner--

--And running straight into Twilight, whose mane appeared to be in a state of disarray. Bumbling an apology, Rainbow looked up at Twilight, who didn’t even seem to register the contact.

“Uhh, Twilight?” Rainbow tried, weakly. “I nearly knocked you on your haunches, aren’t you mad?”

“Oh, no, Rainbow, I’m fine, barely felt it!” Twilight’s voice sounded strained, this made Rainbow worry that she might have actually hurt her. “Say, you weren’t on your way to vote just now, were you?”

How’d she figure that out? I was going in the opposite direction. Smiling despite her confusion, Rainbow nodded quickly.

“Andddd, I’ll assume you know just who you’re voting for, right?” Twilight’s voice was slightly hurried, but also had a hint of a lilt to it. Rainbow had heard that tone before, and knew she should tread carefully, but about what, she was unsure.

Still, Twilight had asked her a question, and she wasn’t about to lie to her. “Yeah!” Rainbow beamed, more excited to speak about it than she thought she might be. “I’m voting for these neat guys who wanna make the Wonderbolts a private company, and give us all a higher wage! There were these other guys who wanted to keep the Wonderbolts under Celestia, but all they were offering was better hours and advancement opportunities, and I know which I’d prefer!”

Twilight stood stock still. At first, she seethed, and eventually, appeared stunned. After a few seconds of silence on her part (during which time Rainbow found it appropriate to wave a hoof in front of her face a few times), she spoke with a forced calm. “Rainbow, don’t feel insulted when I say this, or anything like that, but, uhh, you do know that voting affects more than the Wonderbolts, right?”

Rainbow jumped back. “It does?! Like what?”

Twilight closed her eyes, rattling off a short list. “All sorts of things, such as economics, foreign relations, laws, taxes, benefit systems, healthcare, our defense services, such as the Wonderbolts--”

“See, I knew about that one,” Rainbow interjected.

“I know you did, Rainbow, you already told me why you’re voting, but the thing is--”

“It’s strange though,” Rainbow cut in again, “All anyone at work talked about when it came to voting was the changes it would have on the Wonderbolts, no one even mentioned any of that. Besides, I thought Celestia dealt with all that?”

Twilight appeared to grit her teeth at this, but the expression was gone before it could fully develop into something that might antagonise Rainbow. “Celestia does deal with that stuff, but she has to have a democratic senate in place so as not to appear as a tyrant. You have to understand, despite the fact that many ponies love and adore Celestia, if she was to wield supreme power, along with her near immortality, people would soon feel as if they were being controlled indefinitely.”

Through this, Rainbow was slowly nodding.

“Because of this, she installed seats of power that allow elected members of the public to have a large portion of the say in important issues. Of course, those people were scattered at first, with completely opposing ideals, but they eventually organised themselves into two main groups, complete with policies, leaders, councils, constituencies. etc.”

“I think you’re losing me,” Rainbow grimaced, her brain struggling to comprehend the slew of historical information.

“Just pay attention. In the interest of fairness and public autonomy, a vote is held every few years deciding which groups are in power for which areas, and the group with the overall majority becomes our government. Usually, the public get sick of one government within a few years and it switches back, but our current leaders have held the fort for some time now.”

“But, isn’t that, like, a never ending loop, if they keep switching back and forth all the time?”

“Wellll, I once heard Celestia describe it as perpetual torment, but yeah, you could call it a loop too, I guess.”

Rainbow’s head tilted. “Isn’t that the same thing, just more egghead-y?”

“The point is that it’s more abrasive,” Twilight stated factually. “Regardless, what I’m trying to say here is that these politicians and council members affect more than just one group, they can really benefit the entirety of Equestria, and, by extension, its citizens and neighbours, or, they can make a big mess of things.”

A second to mull this over, and Rainbow was frowning. “Great. So, how do I know who to vote for?”

“Well, it should all depend on their policies, and how trustworthy the group is as a whole. Some governments have been known to not keep their promises in the past, but there’s nothing the voter can do about that.”

“And how do I know their policies?” Rainbow asked.

“Well, usually the parties will release manifestos-- Uh, big magazines with all of their policies written down on them, and the public will get to view those weeks before the election.”

“Ughhh, but I haven’t looked at any of those! This was really simple for me earlier, and now I don’t know what to do!” Rainbow sighed. “Maybe I shouldn’t vote after all.”

Suddenly, Twilight appeared alarmed, as if she had just bore witness to sacrilege. “No, Rainbow, you have to vote! One vote alone makes a difference, and I can tell you exactly who to vote for, don’t you worry.”

“You can?” Rainbow appeared uncertain, but she listened to her friend regardless.

“Of course!” Twilight grinned. She produced a sheet in her aura, floating it in front of Rainbow. “See these ones on the left?” Rainbow nodded. “Vote for them, they’ll do a lot more good for Equestria.”

Rainbow scratched at her head, squinting at the sheet. “But... Those aren’t the ones that promised us the big wage increase at work, so surely the others are better?”

“Maybe for the Wonderbolts, and even then, only in the short run, but like I said, your vote affects everything, so you have to care about everything because of that.”

“Uhh, do I? Sounds more like Fluttershy’s kinda thing.”

“Fluttershy isn’t assertive enough to vote for a party that actually stands any chance of winning.” Twilight barked, before looking at the ground, embarrassed. “Whoa, sorry, I don’t know what came over me just then, forget I said that. Anyway, yeah, when your vote affects whether people in worse situations than you could be going hungry or unable to find work, I think you kind of have to care.”

Rainbow’s eyes widened, and she looked straight at Twilight. “Jeez, it affects all of that?”

“And more,” Twilight said, “Which is why I say you should vote for the ones on the left, because they’ll make a conscious effort to actually help those who need assistance, rather than throwing them to the timberwolves.”

“Really? I’ll take your word for it then, Twilight. If these guys will help people who don’t have very much, I don’t need a big wage boost, I live comfortably enough already. Anyways, I should probably get go--”

“Oh, hello, darlings, how wonderful to see you both here.” Rarity trotted dutifully up to Rainbow and Twilight, levitating a pen beside her. “I assume you’re on your way to vote, aren’t you, Rainbow?”

“Uhh, yeah, how’d you guess? And why just me, and not Twilight?” Rainbow questioned.

“Twilight is a princess, Rainbow, and that prevents her from being able to vote.” Rarity’s tone became slightly scornful. “But I can see that turn of events hasn’t prevented her from setting up shop down here once again, trying to change the minds of prospective voters.”

Rainbow ignored Twilight’s glaring at Rarity and focused on her instead. “Wait, you mean that Twilight does this a lot?”

“Last council elections, I remember it clearly, and I can assure you, her radical views likely haven’t changed a bit since.”

“Because yours are any better?” Twilight shot back. “Honestly, if it were up to Rarity, we’d all be part of a totalitarian regime by now.”

“Oh, don’t be so dramatic. Our party is merely more efficient and better organised, whereas yours runs amok like a bunch of schoolfillies and makes ridiculous promises they cannot keep. Not to mention their disbelief in the monarchy, or the Sombra sympathisers in their midst.”

“Okay, will someone please explain what she’s on about?” Rainbow groaned, looking between the pair of arguing friends in desperation.

“Fine,” Twilight sighed, bringing her sheet close again. “Rarity supports the party to the right, the ones that are most likely to continue ruining Equestria, should they stay in power.”

“And how, exactly, are they ruining Equestria?” Rainbow pondered aloud.

“Loads of ways! Have you ever heard of bedroom tax, Rainbow?”

Rainbow shook her head.

“Please,” Rarity scoffed. “I thought that’s what you socialists were all about, taxing those who are making enough to afford spare bedrooms.”

“But it doesn’t work like that!” Twilight defended, “Oftentimes, it’s the poor families that get hit hardest by it, being forced to downsize when their children leave home! Bedroom tax has made it so children are finding it more and more difficult to leave home, leading to homes becoming more congested and the average amount of ponies in a three bedroom property increasing drastically, while the rich are able to brush it off as a paltry tax! What we need is higher mansion taxes that only affect the top three percent, like the ones the party to left want to install.”

“Hold on, does that affect cloud homes too?” Rainbow asked, worried. “I’ve got like,” she made a swift mental calculation, “At least four empty bedrooms in my place, would all of those be taxed?”

“Yes, Rainbow, it affects everything. Your parents would be liable for tax too, they’d probably have to rent out your old bedroom if they didn’t want to feel the difference.”

“That’s terrible! And they do this to the poorest families too?”

“They do it to everyone,” Twilight solemnly affirmed. “And they just don’t care about the situations they put other ponies in, they have no humanity.”

“Well I cannot help but totally disagree with you! Your party to the left wishes to install unrealistic policies that rely upon money that doesn’t exist! Although I suppose we should all just keep relying on the credit bubble until it bursts, eh?”

“It was your party that invented the credit bubble in the first place, by giving the banks more lending power!” Twilight took a step closer to Rarity, “So don’t try and pin a problem by your own designs on me!”

“This is ludicrous,” Rarity pouted, “Unlike me, you’re not even a party member, yet you want to stand here and lecture me, again! Let me tell you something, Twilight. I do care for all of those that are less fortunate, but sometimes generosity is tough, and something that only happens in the long run, and it’s only by employing measures of austerity that we can start to undo the damage that your last government caused! If we did it your way, we would go around spooning out benefits and free passes to all of the poor, until all of the money ran out and the economy went completely down the toilet.”

“This is why we increase taxes on the top three percent! They have so many bits, they wouldn’t even feel the effects! If somepony were to come along and take twenty percent of my bits right now, I would barely even notice it, and I know that!”

“You know I wouldn’t have an issue with that either, Twilight, but I need to know that my money is being utilised and distributed correctly, and honestly, I have no faith in your party.”

Rainbow didn’t know who she agreed with, she didn’t know what to say or where to look, so she searched her surroundings, looking for something else to focus on until the pair’s argument fizzled out. Unfortunately, she only found another participant.

“Hey, guys!” Pinkie grinned, bounding over to the bickering duet and the confused pegasus, the usual spring present in her step. “I’m just on my way to vote!”

Suddenly, Twilight and Rarity’s argument stopped dead.

“You’re voting?!” the pair said in unison.

“Yeah! It’s a new party called the ‘anti-establishment pro-fun and felicity party’! I was looking at all the parties and I decided that this was definitely the best party for me, and their candidate has really done a swell job of representing the party!”

Every time Pinkie said ‘party’, there was a burst of confetti. Rainbow guessed that she couldn’t help that, even if this ‘party’ wasn’t in the same context as it usually was.

“Uhh, well, that’s great, Pinkie, but is voting for them really going to make a difference? Only the parties with a lot of support get elected usually.” Twilight was careful with her words, but couldn’t hide her growing annoyance, slowly rolling her eyes.

“Not ‘them’, silly filly, him!” she produced a flyer from her mane, showing a picture of Discord, with Cheese Sandwich in the background, both dressed in official looking purple and yellow suits.

If Rainbow had been confused before, she was doubly so now. “Uhh, Pinkie, why is Cheese Sandwich running with him?” Oh, yeah, cause that’s the weirdest thing about all this. Great question, Rainbow.

“He’s the anti-establishment pro-fun and felicity party’s official party planner, of course!” Pinkie smiled.

Rainbow nodded, while Twilight and Rarity facehoofed simultaneously. “What?” Rainbow said, turning to face them, “He was a pretty good party planner.”

“Not as good as Pinkie Pie, though,” sounded a voice from above. Suddenly, there was an “eep!” and Fluttershy jumped back, before choosing to land amongst the steadily growing group of debating friends.

“Hey, Fluttershy, how long were you listening in?” Rainbow asked.

“Uhh, maybe five minutes,” Fluttershy responded, cheeks tinted pink. “I was just interested to hear everyone’s opinions, but I didn’t wanna argue.”

“That’s alright,” Rainbow reassured her, “Who are you voting for, anyways?”

“Uhm, I’d rather not say, Rainbow, I’m sorry,” she glanced sheepishly at Twilight, who groaned.

“Argh, she’s voting for the nature party.” Twilight droned.

“The nature party?” Rainbow enquired, “What’s that?”

“A complete and utter waste of a vote,” Twilight responded, prompting Rarity to nod in concurrence. “Each pony only gets one vote, yet some choose to waste it on a party that is never going to be elected, and all it does is help to make the entire voting process an exercise in futility.”

“Hey!” Pinkie shouted, “At least my vote makes a statement! Maybe some ponies are tired of going in the same circles over and over, watching the ponies in power take turns to line their pockets!”

“Only the members of the right party do that!” Twilight returned, and Rarity began to scowl in disapproval.

“I resent comments such as that. Our party is above such barbarity, we only aim to help everypony, those at the top, and the rest as well, equally. We wish to make Equestria more secure, through balanced, fair, but stringent leadership.”

“Then why is it that your party’s leaders own shares in most of the companies you’re planning to privatise?”

“Nonsense! I’d like to see concrete proof of this.” Rarity flared.

“Uhm, actually, stock data for that party was released last year, and a lot of the politician’s assets were revealed to be congruous to their spending plans, and very profitable for them, as well as the companies they’re allied with,” Fluttershy flinched briefly when all eyes landed on her, before becoming smug, noticing their combined shock. “You two aren’t the only ones that do your research.”

Now, it was Twilight’s turn to look smug, Rarity’s to look cornered, and Rainbow’s to look indecisive, once again. When no one spoke for a few moments, Rainbow found her voice.

“So, these guys on the right don’t sound too great, really, even if they are a bit better organised, because they’re pretty selfish, right?” she looked to Twilight for confirmation, who happily nodded, and then looked to Rarity, who had gone to find backup.

When she returned, Octavia Melody in tow, she had a determined look on her face, while Octavia carried a look of indifference, as usual.

“Ah, my good friend, Octavia!” Rarity acted, badly. “Us five were just having a discussion that we thought you could lend a hoof to! Clearly, a refined, intelligent mare such as yourself can see exactly who should be helping the princesses to run Equestria, can you not?”

“Of course,” Octavia said, marching up and planting her hoof firmly on the left side of Twilight’s sheet.

Rainbow could almost hear Twilight’s laughter building.

“What?!” Rarity announced, shocked. “Why would you want them in charge? Honestly, Octavia, I took you for a sensible mare, surely you can see the pandemonium that could be unleashed if this party took office again?”

“I know it would be better than what we have now.” Octavia looked back to her travelling companion, headphone clad and trailing a few paces behind her, and smiled thinly. “And it didn’t take much to convince me, once I had heard a differing perspective on the matter.”

Vinyl paused and slid off her headphones, looking towards Octavia. “I’ll tell you for nothing, it’s easy to have a friend with differing political opinions to yours, impossible to live with one. We’re both socialists to the tee.”

“Mare-xists, more like,” Rarity mouthed.

“I resent that,” Octavia asserted, staring at Rarity with disdain, “that is exactly the kind of rightist propaganda us and our party have to deal with, and it is completely baseless. If you could find any real evidence to support the notion that me or any significant number of my party have mare-xist sympathies, I’d love to hear so.”

“I heard that your your party leader supported King Sombra’s return!” Pinkie offered.

Rarity jeered, Twilight twitched in anger, Octavia ignored the comment, Vinyl laughed, and Fluttershy took a couple of steps back, clearly not willing to engage in this argument.

“More propaganda!” Twilight shouted, her voice raising considerably. “The leader merely stated his sadness that the conflicts with Sombra had to be resolved with his death. Think about it, if we had dealt with Nightmare Moon in that manner, Princess Luna would be dead right now. Would you prefer that?”

“My thoughts exactly,” Princess Luna agreed, descending upon her subjects, prompting a bow from all except Rainbow, who stood in utter bewilderment. “While I, too, must refrain from voting, it is always interesting to see what everyone thinks on the matter, and I must say that I lean more towards Rarity’s opinion, in this instance, despite your solid argument.”

If Twilight had looked happy with herself before, Rarity easily trumped it.

“The simple matter is,” Luna continued, “When you have been blessed with longevity, as I have, you must think to the future, for the benefit of all of your subjects for many generations to come, rather than the gratification of a select few. However, I do freely admit that I have been removed from society for many years, so my opinion may not be the most dependable.”

Rarity’s smile faltered momentarily, but she held it regardless. “You see, Twilight, the Princess of the Night agrees with me, she knows what is best for Equestria, as she helps to rule it!”

“Helps to rule it,” Twilight growled. “Tell me, Luna, what does Celestia think?”

“Celestia’s allegiances were always with this party, to the left.”

Twilight did a small ‘whoop’, drawing everyone’s gaze. “Sorry,” she whispered, allowing Luna to continue.

“However, most recently, my sister has chosen to withdraw herself from politics, feeling that it is too problematic to publicly voice her opinion. I feel the same, but believe I can share my views in confidence, between friends.” she smiled at all of those present.

“Pardon me, your highness,” Vinyl cut in, “But when exactly did we become friends?”

“When you appeared to play at my niece’s wedding on such short notice, of course.” Luna responded.

“Oh, yeah, that day with the changelings. Say, is the government you support planning to do anything to foster relations with them?”

“Actually, we’re planning to go for more of an isolationist approach,” Rarity cut in, “Until the matters of leadership transition are dealt with in the hive, at least. While we do feel that Thorax is indeed a good leader, and is doing a wonderful job at changing his people for the better, dissenters could still exist, as well as those whose allegiance to Queen Chrysalis remains, and we cannot be too cautious, until we’re absolutely sure that there is no threat to our nation, at least.”

Octavia’s face became stern. “And your proposed means of dealing with this is what? Closing our country to all changelings, when we have only recently been put in a situation where we might foster a relationship with them? Yes, I am quite sure that they will all feel very trusted and appreciated, should we go about things in that manner. Honestly, plans like these are more likely to lead to another war.”

“I hadn’t heard it from that perspective before,” Luna commented, “And while I do agree that this nation must be kept safe at all costs, I had not fully considered the potential ramifications on our friendship with the newly usurped changeling nation. I do believe that this is warrants further thought.”

“Thank you, princess.” Octavia smiled graciously.

“Of course, we are all equals here in debate, titles or none. Even Fluttershy with and her affiliation with the nature party is of equal import to your beliefs, Twilight.”

“I don’t question the importance of her beliefs, Luna, I just feel they would be better put to use if she were to vote for a party with quite similar policies that actually stood a chance of winning! Besides, I understand that the Nature Party’s core beliefs revolve around environmentalism, but what about us ponies? Don’t we need to be considered too?”

Suddenly, Fluttershy was on the defensive. “If you really think that the Nature Party is all about the environment then you clearly haven’t been looking hard enough, most of their policies are directly centred around ponies. You shouldn’t assume that you know something just because you’ve had a cursory glance at it.”

“Maybe if the party was actually worth paying any attention to, I’d have read their manifesto.” Twilight hissed.

“See? You assume you know what you’re talking about but really you haven’t even looked!” Fluttershy’s voice had raised to normal speaking volume by now, it was slightly disconcerting.

“Oh, brother,” Twilight exclaimed, tutting loudly.

“Oh, hey Twily!”

“Shining Armour?! Cadence?! What the hay are you doing here?” Twilight’s shock was evident, her confusion apparent.

Rainbow had reverted to sitting, dumbfounded, staring vacantly at one pony, then another, desperately trying to keep count of all of the debate’s participants, who were clearly crawling out of the woodworks. Remembering their opinions, and exactly what issues they revolved around, was driving her insane.

“Well, me and Cadence were here to preside over the announcements, but we heard you you all talking and figured we’d find out what all the fuss was about!”

Bad move, Rainbow thought to herself, wondering if she could slip away unnoticed, and strongly considering it.

“Well,” Rarity started, “We were discussing the best way to deal with the changelings, now that Thorax has been instated as head of their nation. Unfortunately, Luna appears to be the only one who agrees with me regarding the need to vet them, and exercise a good level of caution.”

“I can tell you now, I’m all for closing our borders. Thorax may have been one good changeling, but the rest of them still have a ways to go before they’re accustomed to a life of sharing love and emotion, rather than stealing it. If it were up to me, it would be years before changelings could come and go freely.”

“It’s that kind of thinking that led to the first changeling invasion!” Cadence shouted, surprising all but Shining, who growled in return. “We’ve been over this, and while I understand that you’re upset about what happened at the wedding, our mantra should always be ‘equal love and acceptance for all.’ That comes first! If we all shy away from eachother and refuse to offer our hearts, I wouldn’t blame the changelings if they became bitter again. Rejection and servitude is likely all they’ve known in recent years!”

“Be realistic!” Shining barked back, “Yeah, we probably could have been more open with the changelings in the past, but let’s not kid ourselves. All it takes is one bad changeling, and we could be right back where we started again! I mean, really, if Starlight hadn’t intervened, we probably would still be trapped in Chrysalis’s hive!”

A puff of purple smoke, and Starlight appeared. “You said my name?”

“Uh, yeah?” Shining squinted at her, “How did you know that?”

“Please, I could sense this disturbance from the castle, you’ve all been throwing words at eachother for so long I’m surprised I didn’t physically hear it.”

“As you’re here now,” Luna regarded her most recent saviour, “Do you have an opinion to offer us?”

Starlight blushed, looking away from everyone around her. “Based on my previous actions, you could probably assume who I would align myself with,” she offered meekly.

“Communism is a scary thing,” Vinyl blurted.

“I’m not a communist! I just...” Starlight began perspiring profusely, “I just had a bit of a messed up ideology once, but I still think that everyone should have the same opportunities in life, just not by limiting themselves!”

“Hey, I believe ya, you just never painted a great picture of yourself before. I had a friend in Our Town, you know. She told me you went back there and made amends, and that they all love you again now, and that’s what matters, I think.”

“Well, thanks, I guess,” Starlight sighed, “Why did I even come here?”

“And why did you drag me along?” Trixie moaned, “Anyways, I’m sure you’re all dying to know my opinion--”

Rainbow could almost feel the cumulative eye roll.

“--and I’ll have you know that I am in full support of the Anti-Establishment Pro-Fun and Felicity Party.” Everyone, save Starlight and Twilight, stood in stunned silence. “What? Modern Equestrian politics are a joke, might as well make it a funny one.”

“Atta girl, tricky Trix! You come stand over here!” Pinkie gestured toward herself, and Trixie strode over with confidence, dragging Starlight along with her.

Alright, let me get this straight. Twilight leans to the left, so do Vinyl and Octavia, and Starlight. Rarity and Luna are to the right, Pinkie and Trixie are lunatics, Fluttershy’s a hipster, or something, and Shining is a fascist? Rainbow rubbed at her eyes, before refocusing them on the group before her. Am I missing anyone? Oh yeah, Cadence is a massive hippy.

In the time that Rainbow had stopped to take stock of recent events, Cherilee and Big Mac had appeared, apparently travelling to the polling booth together, and were now arguing between one another, Big Mac using uncharacteristically long words to defend his opinion of the party on the left hand side of the sheet, describing how it was their laws that allowed his forefathers to settle on the land that came to be known as Sweet Apple Acres and found Ponyville. He stated that they never would have been able to under the rule of the other party, and that that which was legislated then was a staple of modern Equestrian economy and had allowed for more widespread colonisation.

Cherilee had some obscure opinion on teacher’s rights and the right party’s plans to protect them immediately, but Twilight shot back by mentioning the privatisation of schools, and the government’s plans to narrow the curriculum and shoehorn learning opportunities, something that she clearly felt very strongly about. This put Cherilee on the ropes, but she argued that the leftist party was unlikely to be able to procure the funding to improve schooling and keep children in education, but then Twilight told her that it was this government that had led to tuition fees being implemented at Celestia’s school.

Then, Octavia launched into a tirade regarding Celestia’s school, claiming that it was bias and unjust that the most prestigious university in Canterlot catered to unicorns alone, and wealthy unicorns, no less. Mrs Cake happened to hear Octavia discussing this and paused to begin fiercely nodding. When Luna asked her say on it, she stated that she didn’t want Pound Cake to miss out on the chance to have a decent education while his brother went on to achieve and succeed.

Then, Fluttershy mentioned flight school for pegasi, which Mrs Cake claimed played second fiddle to Celestia’s school, as did all other institutes of further education. When Fluttershy started to defend flight school, Pinkie began complaining that it was unjust that earth ponies weren’t allowed to join the wonderbolts, earning an enthusiastic nod from Trixie, as well as Lyra Heartstrings, who had apparently been converted by Pinkie’s compelling arguments, while Bon Bon went to stand next to Rarity and Luna.

This prompted Twilight to start lecturing Pinkie on pony anatomy, and just why an earth pony wouldn’t be able to join. When Rarity complained that all of this detracted from the main point of the debate, they asked her what she wanted to discuss, instead.

“Everyone, we could be debating the smaller issues for hours, but it would still detract from the main point! What we all need to know is: which party should we be voting for? Which is going to look after us, and our nation as a whole? Which is going to care for us, and really improve the lives of each Equestrian citizen, or at least try to?”

“Actually, you have been debating for hours,” Maud Pie stated, looking at each of them equally. “Voting closes in ten minutes.”

“Wait, what?!”

“We’ve gotta get down there!”

“Hold on!”

“Trixie’s going to be a Wonderbolt yet!”

“Hold on, I’ll teleport you.”

“No royal favour! Let them walk!”

“Eeyup!”

Slowly, everyone filed out of the tight circle they had made on that unassuming Ponyville street corner. Everyone except Rainbow, who hadn’t been directly addressed in almost two hours, and Maud, who continued walking at a slow and leisurely pace.

Rainbow stood for the first time in what felt like ages, stretching her wings and looking over at Maud. “Let me guess, Rock Party?”

“Actually, I’m voting Labour.” Maud deadpanned.

That’s what they’re called! Everyone’s been dancing around it for hours.

“Do you know who you’re voting for yet, Rainbow?”

Rainbow shuffled on her hooves, looking around aimlessly. “Honestly, I’m still not too sure. They all make completely opposing points and really, I don’t know who to believe.”

“Just go with what your heart says.”

“Really? You’re not going to stand here and try to win me over with all of your arguments and opinions? It’s that simple to you?”

“It’s really that simple,” Maud returned, the smallest hint of a smile gracing her lips. “I think you’ve heard enough of other people’s opinions for one day, stop letting them influence you.”

“Thanks, Maud. You wanna walk in together?”

Maud began walking to the polling station at an incredibly slow and relaxed pace. She looked back at Rainbow. “Sure, if you can keep up.”

The Booth

Rainbow stood in the voting booth, ballot paper in front of her, pencil in mouth. She couldn’t help but notice that the left party’s box was at the bottom of the paper, she wasn’t sure why.

Throughout her journey to the building, she had initially been thankful for the relative silence, but quickly realised that it had given her thoughts the leave to run around her mind recklessly, adding to her confusion.

Rainbow still had no clue who to vote for, for every argument she had heard, a counter argument had been there, and for every point one party conceded, the other had ended up doing the same eventually.

Alright. I’m gonna close my eyes, spin around, and whoever I tick, I tick.

So, she did so. Rainbow closed her eyes, spun around in the cramped ballot box, pencil still clutched in her mouth, scribbled on the paper at random, and opened her eyes.

There it was, she beheld it. In front of her, there was a surprisingly neat little tick on the top box, completely in place and ready to be slipped into the box in front of her.

Well, great. Rarity would be happy, I guess. Rainbow stood, completely stagnant. Guess I should post this now, right? Again, she didn’t move an inch.

After about thirty seconds of consideration, she poked a head, and then a hoof out of her booth, a few pieces of ripped up paper balanced atop it. “Excuse me?” Rainbow called out, “I think I made a mistake on my ballot paper, can I have another one please?”