Shadow Empire

Chapter 1172 Voting and Disappearance

After October, the temperature suddenly began to drop, even in Jin Gang City, it dropped to around ten degrees Celsius, and the real winter was not far away.

Early in the morning, pedestrians on the street were all wearing thick cotton-padded coats and had their hands in their pockets.

Every few steps they took, a large cloud of heat would cover their faces, which looked quite amusing.

Some polling stations along the roadside were already set up, with police officers and dedicated federal government staff overseeing the process, as well as city hall personnel.

A large number of people had already gathered around these polling stations, and they came to the polling stations with their ballot cards to begin casting their votes.

Voting is a "sacred thing" because not everyone is eligible to vote.

As the war progressed, some families who were not originally eligible to vote became eligible voters because of their experience of enlisting in the military.

According to incomplete official statistics, the number of people eligible to vote in the entire federation is currently about 31 percent of the total population.

In other words, the votes of three out of ten people are legally valid, but not all eligible voters will actually vote. The actual number of votes that have an effect is only about 20 percent of the total population, the legal population.

This is a very small number, which also means that the election can be manipulated.

Because those people are not a large number of voters that presidential candidates need to win over, they can use both legal and illegal means to influence the choices and preferences of these voters.

Each state has its own unique circumstances. In states with a few fixed political camps, the direction of voting doesn't change much from the beginning. Basically, 70% to 80% of the people will vote for their own camp's presidential candidate.

Those swing states, on the other hand, require the campaign teams of these presidential candidates to win them over.

Likale is not a traditional swing state; it's a Socialist stronghold, so there shouldn't be any major surprises.

People who were eligible to vote arrived at the polling station, handed over their credentials in exchange for a ballot, stood in front of the voting machine, marked the person they wanted to vote for with a pen, and then inserted the ballot into the gap of the ballot machine's mail slot.

The whole process doesn't take too long.

Some federal government staff stood next to the polling station, observing everything that was happening there.

"The voting here this year looks...very calm, so calm that it's almost unbelievable!"

The two staff members started chatting, and one of them shared his cigarette with the other. In such cold weather, having a cigarette seemed to warm them up.

Another person nodded in agreement, "That's right. Compared to other places, the voting atmosphere here is just like they always advertise—full of freedom!"

He took a deep breath, which widened his nostrils considerably, allowing a large amount of cold air to enter his body. He shivered and coughed twice.

The thought of other polling stations sent chills down their spines, with various campaign teams still tirelessly campaigning for votes outside.

In principle, such behavior is not allowed. Voting is sacred and should not be interfered with. The federal government will punish those who campaign outside polling stations.

But it was no use; these campaign teams were willing to accept the penalties, even if it meant posting their campaign posters in places where they weren't allowed, and even if it meant paying a fine.

The fines are a small matter in the context of the election results, but the final direction of the votes is related to the tilt of countless interests.

Even if you put these people in jail, let alone fine them, some people would still do it.

They would tell those planning to vote outside the polling station that if they voted for the candidate supported by the campaign team, they could receive a small gift, often worth a dollar or two, based on their vote.

This year, due to increased per capita income, prices in swing states have reached three dollars.

Once you vote and show your vote, you can get a coupon from there.

It could be a supermarket voucher—the supermarket owner is a supporter of a presidential candidate, and he's willing to show his support in this way.

It could also be the most common food stamp – a practice favored by super sponsors, where a value of three dollars doesn't necessarily mean those cans of beans are actually worth three dollars.

In short, they will use this method to garner votes.

In addition, there are union members and AFL members, who are also among the most active groups in every election.

Because they control a large portion of the working class, who make up about 60 percent of all voters—a truly staggering number!

That's why unions rose to prominence so quickly during this period; they could also manipulate votes, and workers were willing to cooperate with some of the union's decisions.

When a group gains a voice in elections, its political standing is greatly enhanced. This is why labor unions and federations are able to form labor parties.

They have a lot of political influence and know how to monetize that influence. Not everyone in every region is like Lance, who is able to drive out the union.

As long as they cannot expel the union, they will be influenced by the union and eventually compromise or make a deal.

Compared to the chaotic scene outside polling stations in other cities and regions, the polling station in Jin Gang City was as quiet as a young girl standing in the cold winter, so tranquil that it was somewhat unsettling.

The conversation quickly shifted from the voting results to Lance and the Lance family, during which time Lance had gained some fame in the Federation.

Because of Director Roland.

It's impossible for only Lance to be on the offensive. Director Roland's side is also on the defensive, and they are also attacking, and using media and public opinion.

When the Federal Times focused on Director Roland's recent public opinion focus, they guided readers to turn their attention to Lance and the Lance family by analyzing why this happened.

In a press release written by a columnist for the Federal Times, Lance and the Lance family have clearly become one of the most difficult civilian organizations the Federation has to deal with.

They were very careful with their wording, avoiding directly defining the Lance family as a gang, because Lance would actually sue them.

Tabloids can gain more attention and fame by suing celebrities, but if major newspapers sue celebrities, it will only make them seem less rigorous, authoritative, and professional.

Therefore, they used a very vague and undefined term: non-governmental organization.

Under the columnist's "praise," Lance was already showing signs of becoming the number one figure in the federal mafia, which was a form of flattery that ultimately led to his downfall.

People are willing to discuss these things, and since this is Golden Harbor City, the headquarters of the Lance family, it's only natural that they would talk about the true ruler here, Lance White.

"...I don't know much about this Mr. White, but based on my experience here these past few days, I don't think he's a bad person."

"Look around you. Nobody here gets harassed by gangsters. Has anyone pulled out a knife and begged you?"

The man speaking had a hint of sarcasm in his tone. They had all been robbed in New Gold City, but in Golden Harbor City, no one had robbed them, and no obvious criminal activity had been observed.

The entire Golden Harbor City felt like it was in another dimension; there were no gunshots that kept people awake at night, and no endless reports of crime on the news or television.

Everything was so peaceful, safe, and reliable, which made him truly feel the difference between this place and other places.

His companion chuckled and said, "So you think Mr. White is a good man?"

The speaker paused for a moment, then said, "I don't know. Some people say he's bad, and you know, we all understand that. It must be some kind of gang."

"But if you insist on saying whether it's good or bad, I can only say I don't know. I haven't been here long enough. Maybe if I stay longer, I'll know."

They were chatting when suddenly a convoy of cars slowly pulled up to the side of the road. The two men quickly took off their half-smoked cigarettes, threw them on the ground, and even stomped on them.

It was clear that a high-ranking person had come to vote, and as the motorcade arrived, several reporters gathered around. It wasn't until they called out the person's name that the two federal government staff realized who it was.

"Mr. Lance, can you tell us who you're going to vote for?" The reporters, notebooks and pens in hand, greeted Lance warmly and asked who he was going to vote for.

Lance answered naturally that he would vote for the Socialist presidential candidate and claimed to be a staunch supporter of the Socialist Party.

"Mr. Lance, do you think the Socialist Party has a chance to continue its winning streak in this election?"

"Many consulting firms are saying that the Socialist Party has less than a 30% chance of winning. What is your opinion on this?"

These are all harmless questions. Of course, most people wouldn't dare to ask sharp or harmful questions.

After all, they still have to live in this city.

"No matter what our chances of winning are, we will fight to the last moment. That's what the Socialist Party, and those of us who support the Socialist Party, should do."

"The Federation is undoubtedly a great country because its president is elected by the people, rather than through the succession of power, which is very difficult to achieve anywhere in the world."

"The more this is the case, the more we should cherish our votes. They are not just electing a presidential candidate, but the future of the Union!"

The reporters began to applaud. "Well said, Mr. Lance, may I publish this in the newspaper?"

Lance smiled and agreed to his request. "It's your prerogative, Mr. Reporter."

Lance glanced back at Melo beside him. "In this cold weather, these gentlemen are still sticking to their posts. That's a kind of 'fighting' spirit."

"I remember we had partnerships with a few coffee shops?"

Melo nodded. "Yes."

"Then prepare a hot coffee and some pastries for each of them, including these gentlemen who are queuing to vote!"

He spoke in a voice that wasn't loud, but most people could hear him. When the workers who were queuing up to watch the spectacle learned that they too would receive a cup of coffee and a pastry, they immediately smiled sincerely and loudly thanked Mr. Lance for his generosity!

Some people even voluntarily gave up the first spot so that Lance could vote first.

Lance greeted them, then filled out his ballot, turned around to show it to everyone, and then stuffed it into the ballot box.

Although people didn't know why they were clapping, they still started clapping for Lance's vote under some kind of magical collective consciousness.

Perhaps this is just as Lance said: voting is sacred, and those who vote are also sacred. This is embodied in Lance at this moment.

After casting his vote, Lance said goodbye to everyone and left by car. Less than ten minutes later, two vans arrived, belonging to two different cafes, and delivered a large amount of coffee, including to the polling station staff.

These federal government workers from out of town weren't encountering this situation for the first time; they had also encountered politicians putting on a show at polling stations in other states before.

But those people's performances were far less natural than Lance's, and he gave everyone a cup of hot coffee in the cold weather.

When hot coffee enters their bodies and makes them feel warm, they will spontaneously remember who made them enjoy all of this.

This is great publicity.

The two staff members looked at each other and both thought that Lance was really something else!

The news of Lance personally voting made the local news in Golden Harbor City the next day, with reporters using many flowery words to praise Lance's insightful thinking.

Even the Federal Post used excerpts from these reports, which made more people aware of Lance.

People who know him are unlikely to dislike him, and those who are not familiar with him are unlikely to develop feelings of aversion towards someone they don't know.

Those who knew him, as long as they were not his enemies, would marvel at his generosity.

Who can refuse a generous person?
As for his enemies?

They most likely don't have the time or inclination to focus on this right now, for example, Director Roland.

Because his wife and children went missing on the first day of the election.

They were in a safe house prepared by Director Roland, a very secure place known only to him and his cousin; no one else knew anything about it.

To avoid being harassed by local reporters or others who might discover his wife and children, or to obtain important information from children who hadn't experienced these things, he kept his wife and children in the safe house and prevented them from going out.

All the daily necessities were purchased by his cousin, the bureau chief, and then delivered to him.

A week has passed since the grand celebrations of Saint Farmer, and the food and groceries in the safe house are almost gone.

The cousin, the police chief, drove up to the safe house. He used a small trailer to load food and groceries onto it and hauled it outside the safe house.

He knocked on the door, but no one answered. He immediately sensed something was wrong, so he took out his spare key and opened the door.

The entire safe house looked very clean, with no signs of a struggle or mess, indicating that Director Roland's wife and children had left in an orderly manner.

The cousin bureau chief had no idea why they left or what had happened.

All he knew was that he was in big trouble.

"Didn't you send anyone to protect them?" For the first time, Director Roland felt that his cousin was so unreliable.

His cousin, the bureau chief, also felt somewhat aggrieved at this point, asking, "If I had arranged for people to be there, wouldn't that have exposed them?"

"Besides, the safe house is very safe; there's no way anyone could discover what's going on here..."

Director Roland rudely interrupted him, "But someone discovered it, and something bad happened!"

This left his cousin speechless, and he could only remain calm.

Director Roland paced back and forth in front of his desk several times. "They couldn't have disappeared without a reason. Investigate. Someone must have discovered something. Find out the truth and locate them!"

"No matter the cost, find them!"

After hanging up the phone, Director Roland couldn't help but think of Lance's image. He felt that at this moment, the only person who could possibly do this was Lance.

This caused him some fear. He had indeed been tormented by Lance during this period, with the abortion and pregnancy scandals and the secret marriage scandal being overshadowed by the election, allowing him to get through it safely.

Now another problem arises, as if Lance's attacks are endless.

He dodged the first time, the second time, the third time, but there was a fourth, a fifth, and who knows how many more times waiting for him.

Moreover, his methods became increasingly despicable; he even went so far as to kidnap his wife and children!
He didn't know what Lance was going to do, but it must be something that would cause him pain!
For the first time, Director Roland truly regretted choosing Lance as his opponent. He could have chosen someone else, but for some reason, through a series of coincidences, his target became the person who would become the biggest nightmare of his life!
It far surpasses the person who once made him feel despair, becoming his new source of fear!
He doesn't dare call Lance yet because he's afraid that if it wasn't Lance who did it, calling Lance will expose the whole thing until he fully understands the situation.

He didn't know if Lance would use the information gap to do something to him, so he had to figure out what was going on before deciding what to do.

(End of this chapter)