Wednesday, October 20, 2004 - Today was a good day for Yuoo. He got to vote today. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with Yuoo's world, let me explain some things. His nation is a democracy represented by elephants and donkeys. Creatures of other species are allowed to hold office too, but they are rarely elected. Yuoo, though being a Fennec fox, is affiliated with the elephants. Though the main voting day is next month, Yuoo learned that students at his school are encouraged to go to the courthouse and vote early, so that's what he did. Yuoo waited in the student union for the "voting bus," which took himself and an assortment of other creatures to vote. Four years ago, there was some controversy in Yuoo's state over miscounted or faulty ballots, but everything seemed to go well today. In the voting booth, Yuoo read over the student voter's guide that had been given to him. This guide contained the candidates' various stances on various issues, as well as their species. For President, Yuoo voted for the elephant candidate. For other various positions, such as judges, commissioners, and the Senate, Yuoo voted for a fair number of creatures of both species, depending on their credentials and voting. The ballot also had several constitutional amendments on it. Yuoo, not being a fan of gambling, voted "No" on the slot machines amendment. Yuoo, being very much interested in alternative energy and the environment, voted to keep the plans to build a high-speed train system in his state.