It's already dark as I step out from the Toronto subway. There is a hum of energy around as people walk down the sidewalks with purpose. This is probably typical of Toronto, but for a moment I allow myself the illusion that they are headed to their destination with the same purpose I have: to imbibe on a refreshment of their choice (in my case popcorn, oh what a party animal I am!) and watch the election results. I orient myself on my phone using the Google maps app and set out in the direction of the cinema.
There is a greeter at the door when I arrive. I mention I am there to watch the election results and a big grin lights up her face. "Welcome!" she enthuses as she quickly gives me an orientation on where I can buy my popcorn. Popcorn: very important for an election night - I am glad that she recognizes this. I walk to the popcorn line, which is empty. I've arrived over 20 minutes early, being the keener I am, so that is no surprise. I look at the sign on the cashier's desk.
MEDIUM POPCORN
$3.38
(The number of seats in the House of Commons)
FREE REFILLS!
Excellent, this night was starting out excellent! I swiftly purchase my popcorn, yes extra butter please, and then I go pick out a seat in the sparsely populated theatre.
I am surprised to see that the screen is already on and election results are rolling in from the Maritimes. A few of the ridings are being slightly schizophrenic, tumbling between a Liberal/Conservative identity crisis, but otherwise the Atlantic provinces are looking decidedly red.
Very little happens for the next 40 minutes. I watch the commentary that the political analysts are providing on the tv as the Maritimes decide that they are going to be 100% Liberal after all. The seats in the theatre around me fill up. A dull roar from the hum of voices surrounds me, it is becoming increasingly difficult to hear. On my left a young couple settles down in their seats and pulls out their refreshments, a clear liquid in a soda bottle that is definitely not water and plastic cups to drink it with. We chat a bit about our anticipations for the evening and he offers me something to drink from the bottle. Nah, I'm happy with my popcorn, but thank you. On my right three young girls of east Asian descent who look like they are barely out of high school and old enough to vote sit down. They chatter loudly, enjoying their own refreshments, holding pieces of paper in their hands. I glance at the piece of paper "Election Bingo" it says. HOLD THE PHONE! The cinema is giving out Election Bingo and I didn't get one?! I briefly consider whether it is worth it getting up to hunt down my own piece of paper, but then I consider the swelling theatre population and decide the effort isn't worth it. I like my seat too much. Maybe I'll get one when I go for a popcorn refill.
The stage is set, my first helping of popcorn is almost finished, and there are only 10 seconds before the polls in Quebec and Ontario close.
"10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1." The dissonant hum of voices unites into a singularity of anticipation and cheers echo as the announcer on the tv declares that the polls are now closed. Now things get interesting.
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