The Crucial Election

It was the most important presidential election of the twenty-third century, and every citizen was urged to vote. For the first time in U.S. history, an android was running for president, and the country was politically divided. Congressman ZZ-552 was challenging the popular incumbent, President Zeke Kirkman, and disputes had pitted neighbor against neighbor. Droids and humans alike were staging rallies and protests all over the country. Polls were predicting a very tight race, making it the patriotic duty of every single voter, both human and droid, to come out and cast their ballots.

After a long, exhausting year, Election Day finally arrived, and Z2-32, the self-appointed block committee chairperson, invited all his neighbors to come watch the election results together. It was logical these types of events took place in his home. Inside his warm wood-paneled living room were soft, cushiony sofas and chairs to cradle his human guests, multiple charging stations to energize the droids, and a massive television screen mounted on the wall for everyone’s enjoyment. For this occasion, chocolate chip cookies were baking aromatic in the oven, and the charging stations were freshly polished. What Z2-32 hadn’t planned on, though, was that his friendly gathering would soon turn into a loud and contentious debate.

As humans and androids began circulating and enjoying refreshments, Skye, a first-time voter and rebellious teen, bounded through the door, walked up to Z2-32, and poked him in the chest, roaring, “How could you campaign for a droid for president? For God’s sake, humans created you to help us, not to rule over us! You have no hearts, no souls, and no emotions. How do you think you can make decisions for all of our lives?” Then Skye took a deep breath and shouted, “You were built to cure diseases, perform robotic surgeries, and help humans live better lives! Not to control us!”

S-52 stood up and said, “Calm down, Skye. You don’t know what you’re talking about. Yes, it’s true humans created us, but they created us as sentient beings just like you. We didn’t ask them to do that. What about you and all your human beliefs? How many of you believe you were created by God in His image, and because of that you are entitled to equality and justice and health and happiness. Well, we were created by man, in man’s image, so aren’t we deserving of the same rights? We are not that different from you. All we want is a dry home where we won’t rust, a house with charging stations in each room, and companions to plug us in if there is an emergency.”

Sam walked over, put his arm around S-52’s synthetic shoulder, and said, “You’re right. I don’t know why humans are so arrogant that we think we’re better than you. We were created in different ways, but we were both created. Maybe we should give you a break.”

S-52 shook Sam’s hand. “Thank you, Sam, we appreciate that. I also want to remind everybody that it is precisely because we don’t have emotions that androids would be better leaders. We don’t get our feelings hurt, we don’t get jealous, and we don’t have a lust for power. All we want is to make America a beacon for other countries to look up to. We will always do what is logically best for this country, free from emotional constraints.”

That little speech did not go over well, and everybody began talking at once, until Jack yelled out, “Quiet! Sam, you’re such a traitor! Maybe S-52 would have a valid point if other world leaders were droids, but they’re not. With not a single android in power, it’s imperative that we elect a human president. We need a person with emotions, with intuition, with heart and soul, to work with other world leaders. It’s just so frustrating trying to talk to you droids with your calm demeanors and logical thinking. It drives us crazy. Oh, and by the way, droids, your candidate was created like 150 years ago. He probably can’t even hold a charge anymore.”

Z2-32 jumped up and countered, “He can hold a charge just fine. Not like your candidate, who could suddenly die of the flu. And Jack, I have some important questions for you, so listen carefully. Who was it that cured the pandemic of 2121? Who was it that created an artificial heart that pumps blood and beats like a normal human heart? Who was it that made cancer a distant memory so that your children will only read about it in history books? Androids, that’s who. As you can see, the world is clearly better off since droids were created. I rest my case.”

“Oh, you want to go down that path, do you?” said Jack. “Well, I have some questions for you, too. Who was it that took hunks of old scrap metal, put them together in human form, and programmed them so they could even think about running for president? Who was it that built factories so that droids could be mass-produced? Who was it that gave droids the right to American citizenship, the right to vote, the right to own homes, and create their own families? Humans, that’s who. I rest my case, you chunk of metallic junk.”

Before anyone could respond, Z2-32 stood up on a chair and made an announcement. “Everybody sit down and be quiet. They are about to declare the winner of this election.”

Humans and droids quickly took a seat and turned their attention to the screen. Human hearts accelerated as droids sat like stones.

The winner was announced, and whoops could be heard echoing throughout the house as humans began their celebrations. There was dancing, laughing, and even crying as hugs were passed from one to the other.

Z2-32 walked over and shook Jack’s hand. “Congratulations! It looks like it will be four more years of President Kirkman.”

“That’s all you have to say?” Jack asked. “Aren’t you mad?”

“Of course not,” Z2-32 replied. “President Kirkman won fair and square. He got the most votes. We’ll try again in four years. Now, who would like some more chocolate chip cookies?”