The Biggest (Only) Election in Fairhaven

**The Biggest (Only) Election in Fairhaven** is a quest given by Violet Miranda at the beginning of Fall. It acts as a 15-day countdown timer to the election between Otto Soft and Marty Emerson.

Most characters will have an extra speech bubble with the election symbol in it that you can select to hear what they have to say about the election before and after the mayoral debate, which takes place 5 days before the election.

The candidate you choose to vote for does not affect the outcome of the election. The final vote count will remain the same regardless of whether you vote for Otto or Marty.

## Mayoral Debate

If the quest Revenge is Sweet has been completed before the debate, Cameron will cluck like a chicken at points during the debate, resulting in some extra dialogue.

* Tara: Mornin’ Damon! What brings you by?
* Damon: The debate is today! You won’t believe what happened!
* Tara: Damon! What’s wrong?
* Damon: I left the pie with a note for Otto from Vanessa earlier. But Otto left the pie on the table, and Cameron just ate it!
* Tara: That is so rude of him.
* Damon: He’s gonna pay for it pretty fast… We should get going so we don’t miss any of the action.
* Tara: I wouldn’t miss it! Pass the popcorn!
* Damon: You sound like Violet! I think she’s the only other person hoping Otto goes down in flames.
* Tara: Okay, lead the way.

* [Town Hall]

* Cameron: Thank you all for coming to our first… and last mayoral debate! Mr. Emerson and Mayor Soft have asked me to moderate. First question goes to Mayor Soft: *bwak bwak bwaaaaaaak!*
* Mayor Otto: Uh… Messenger?
* Cameron: Goodness me! It’s, um, allergies. Happens to everyone, right? Ahem. What do you plan to do about the scourge of Malcontents plaguing our fair town?
* Lina: Uh-oh. Here we go.
* Mayor Otto: Thank you for that very neutral and fair question, Messenger Conner! I plan to strengthen our community by growing our neighborhood watch program… And implementing a strict curfew of 10pm! It will be easier to spot the unsavory characters when law-abiding citizens are safe at home!
* Damon: What? That will torpedo my business!
* Cameron: If we could please hold audience questions until the end…
* --[Choice: Damon’s right]
	+ Tara: Damon’s right, this will impact his bar unfairly.
	+ Mayor Otto: He can still be open for happy hour. As if there’s anything happy about blowing your day’s wages at the bar while your child waits at home. Ahem.
* --[Choice: It’s a free town!]
	+ Tara: You don't have the right to tell us what to do! This is still a free town!
	+ Mayor Otto: I think the freedom to live in a safe town is the most important thing a mayor can give his constituents!
* --[Choice: Say nothing]
* Cameron: Thank you Mayor Soft. Now onto a question for Marty Emerson. Mr. Emerson, as a new *baaawk* to the town, how can you already – *Cluck cluck cluck* more than the *cockadoodle doo*!
* Marty: Messenger, is this debate a joke to you?
* Cameron: I’m feeling a bit… unwell? Yes, that’s it. Let me try again: Mr. Emerson, as a new arrival to the town, how can you already claim to know what it needs more than the incumbent?
* Marty: Well, you’re a new arrival, and you’re the debate moderator.
* Cameron: I… um…
* Marty: I’m just teasing ya, Cam, you’re doing a great job! Everyone in this town works really hard. And they deserve a mayor who works hard for them! Sure, we could maintain the status quo. But why not dream bigger? When I look at this town, I see so much potential!
* Thomas: So typical. What’s wrong with our town the way that it is? If you have a problem with it, move back to the city!
* Cameron: Again, if we could save questions until the end…
* --[Choice: New people should be heard]
	+ Tara: Why can’t new arrivals to town have an opinion, Thomas?
	+ Marty: Of course we can! Under my leadership, all Fairhaven citizens would be treated like equals!
* --[Choice: Thomas is right]
	+ Tara: Thomas has a point. Things have worked well enough here, no need to rock the boat!
	+ Marty: What if you could upgrade that boat, neighbor? I've audited the town budget and with some strategic investments, this place could come to life!
* --[Choice: Say nothing]
* Marty: I’m ready to take Fairhaven forward into the future! I hope you’ll all join me.
* Cameron: Thank you, Mr. Emerson. That concludes our…..
* Mayor Otto: You know, considering I helped get your ranch restored, I woulda thought you might have some gratitude…
* Marty: I didn’t realize I was supposed to pay that debt with loyalty…
* Francis: Oh, is Mayor Soft into paying debts now? That’s news.
* Vanessa: Now I don’t think that’s fair.
* Cameron: Everyone, *bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaak! Puk puk pukaaak. Cluck cluck cluck cluck…*

* [Outside Town Hall]

* Violet: Haha! What a hot mess!
* Tara: I’m worried. How will me meet if Otto really imposes a curfew?
* Violet: He’ll never do it. Bruno doesn’t even leave the bar before 10 most nights!
* Tara: I hope you’re right.
* Violet: Also, what the heck was up with Cameron?
* Tara: I’m not at liberty to say.
* Damon: Let’s just say he committed a major debate fowl.
* Violet: Ugh, Damon…

## Election

It’s election day! Is that Giva out by the fence? Go see what she’s up to!

* Tara: Morning Giva. What are you up to?
* Giva: Headed to see the election results, of course! I can’t vote but I wouldn’t miss this for the world! Fancy coming along?
* Tara: Right. Let’s go.

* [Town Hall]

* Parker: Here you go, Tara! It’s so great to see all our neighbors performing their civic duty!
* Tara: Hmmmm. Who should I vote for?
* --[Choice: Vote for Otto]
	+ Tara: Better the devil you know, I guess.
* --[Choice: Vote for Marty]
	+ Tara: Forward into the future. Whatever that might bring.
* Parker: Okay, everyone, we’re ready to tally the votes!
* Cameron: Okay, settle down, everyone. The final vote count is as follows: Otto Soft: Nine votes. Martin Emerson: Eight votes. And two write-in votes for… Lina Dahl-Johnson?
* Parker: What? Lina, what is he talking about?
* Lina: I have no idea! I didn’t ask anyone to vote for me!
* Mayor Otto: Well. I did prepare a speech, in the hope that common sense would prevail. As my first act as your newly re-elected mayor… I would like to announce the new members of the Friendly Fairhaven Neighborhood Watch: Natalia, and Thomas!

* [Outside Town Hall]

* Tara: Lina…
* Lina: Not here, Tara.

## Dialogue

Quest intro:

* Violet: Did you hear? This is too good!
* Tara: What is it?
* Violet: Someone’s running against Mayor Soft! The new guy! Marty Whatshisname. Otto thought he was just going to coast to victory, but not anymore! Haha!

Thomas

* Pre-debate:
	+ Thomas: I heard Mayor Soft’s got some competition this year.
	+ Tara: Are you thinking of voting for his rival?
	+ Thomas: Humph. Fat chance. With any luck, when that greenhorn loses, he’ll leave town.

* Post-debate:
	+ Tara: I’m guessing the debate didn’t do much to change your vote, Thomas.
	+ Thomas: You guessed right. Even if Marty stopped letting his animals out to graze on my crops, there’s something about him that doesn’t sit right. I don’t trust him, and neither should you.

Marty

* Pre-debate:
	+ Marty: Hi there, fellow farmer! You may have heard that I’ve thrown my hat into the ring for the mayoral election! I hope you’re ready to build the new “Fairhaven of the Future!”
	+ Tara: I do seem to build most of the things around here.
	+ Marty: That’s the spirit!
* Post-debate:
	+ Marty: I hope you liked the debate! I didn’t get to talk about all of my ideas, though! And I have so many exciting ones!
	+ Tara: Really? Like what?
	+ Marty: Oh, follow me on social! We’re posting a new idea every day!
	+ Tara: I… don’t have a phone.
	+ Marty: …. Great chatting with you!

Kim

* Pre-debate:
	+ Kim: I’m really thinking about voting for Marty. And it’s not just because I haven’t had to source meat from off-island since he got here. Wait, do you think he could give up the ranch if he became mayor?
	+ --[Choice: Yes!]
	+ Tara: Absolutely he would. Immediately.
	+ Kim: Uh-oh. Maybe I’ve miscalculated this…
	+ --[Choice: No]
	+ –
* Post-debate:
	+ Tara: Some debate, eh?
	+ Kim: I guess so. I just think they both seem to be in it for themselves, honestly. But I guess we have to vote for one of them.

Lina

* Pre-debate:
	+ Tara: Hey Lina. I heard the election is coming up.
	+ Lina: Oh? Yes I suppose it’s that time again. I would rather stay out of politics, honestly. But I’ll be interested to hear what the new fellow has to say.
* Post-debate:
	+ Lina: Well, after that debate, Parker’s gone from supporting Otto to volunteering!
	+ Tara: And what do you think?
	+ Lina: I try not to get into it with him. I’m not gonna change his mind.

Bruno

* Pre-debate:
	+ Tara: I guess I don’t have to ask you who you’re voting for in the election!
	+ Bruno: Heh. Right. Well, my boy does the best job he can. I know it’s not easy.
* Post-debate:
	+ Tara: What did you think of the debate, Bruno?
	+ Bruno: Otto knows how I feel about his curfew. Sure, he’s had to pick his pop up from the bar once or twice, but I don’t make trouble for nobody! Just get a little turned around goin’ home if I’ve had a few.

Sophia

* Pre-debate:
	+ Tara: What are you thinking about the election, Sophia?
	+ Sophia: Oh, I don’t know! I like Marty, he’s nice and seems to have some interesting ideas! But he is pretty new here! Not that there’s anything wrong with that, of course, Tara!
* Post-debate:
	+ Tara: What did you think of the debate, Sophia?
	+ Sophia: You know, I think Otto made some good points. Juliet likes to run around at all hours, and it’s important to me that this town is safe. And hey, if he imposes a curfew without me having to be the bad guy, all the better!

Giva

* Pre-debate:
	+ Giva: So you’ve got an election on, yeah?
	+ Tara: Yep. Mayor Otto is running for re-election.
	+ Giva: Seems like a nice bloke. He did help get the bridge fixed!
	+ Tara: Well, actually I…
	+ Giva: But I don’t have much of a say, I reckon!
* Post-debate:
	+ Tara: The debate got a little rowdy at the end, huh?
	+ Giva: You call that rowdy? Ha! You should see how our MPs go at it in Parliament! Your debate was rather civilized, I’d say!

Amira

* Pre-debate:
	+ Tara: Hey, what do you think of the election, Amira?
	+ Amira: I think it’s best to stay neutral on this, at least publicly. I am the town doctor, after all. But I do find Mayor Otto’s agitations about a neighborhood watch to be unsettling. Perhaps Marty would be more… tolerant of differences.
* Post-debate:
	+ Tara: How did you feel about the debate, Amira?
	+ Amira: I’ll be honest, Tara. I’m worried. I hope our fellow citizens do the right thing.

Parker

* Pre-debate:
	+ Parker: Ready for your first-ever Fairhaven election?
	+ Tara: Sure! Is there going to be a debate?
	+ Parker: I guess so! It should be fun, but I think Mayor Soft will come out on top.
* Post-debate:
	+ Parker: You know, Mayor Soft may not always take the popular positions, but I think that just shows he’s a man of integrity. It’s not easy trying to lead a family. I mean a town. Did I say family? Ha!

Shelby

* Pre-debate:
	+ Tara: Are you planning to vote in the election, Shelby?
	+ Shelby: Why would I do that? Won’t make a bit of difference.
	+ Tara: That’s not true! Everyone’s vote counts!
	+ Shelby: It’s already decided. No point worrying about it.
* Post-debate:
	+ Tara: Did the debate make an impression on you, Shelby?
	+ Shelby: In fact, it did.
	+ Tara: Oh! So are you voting for Otto or Marty?
	+ Shelby: Who said I was voting for one of them?
	+ Tara: Okay…

Sebastian

* Pre-debate:
	+ Tara: So who do you like in the election, Sebastian?
	+ Sebastian: Well, I’m not old enough to vote, but… I hope Marty wipes the floor with Otto.
* Post-debate:
	+ Tara: Your sister seems to think Marty is a shoo-in.
	+ Sebastian: Well, she doesn’t know Mrs. Soft like I do. I’m in her class every day! Trust me, she seems nice, but she doesn’t play around. She has this way of getting people to do what she wants. And if she wants him to win, he’ll win.

Juliet

* Pre-debate:
	+ Juliet: So like. Mrs. Soft is having us do a project on the election and I’m supposed to interview people about who they’re voting for. And I’m sure she’s totally not just using teenagers in her class to conduct her own personal polls or anything. Anyway, do you know who you want to vote for? Mayor Soft or Marty Emerson?
	+ --[Choice: Mayor Soft]
	+ -
	+ --[Choice: Marty Emerson]
	+ -
	+ --[Choice: I would rather not say]
	+ Tara: I think I’ll keep it to myself for now.
	+ Juliet: Fair enough. But like, you can tell me and I just won’t write it down, if you want.
* Post-debate:
	+ Tara: So, did the debate move the needle?
	+ Juliet: What?
	+ Tara: The poll numbers.
	+ Juliet: Oh. Yeah… it’s still pretty close.
	+ Tara: You haven’t taken another poll, have you?
	+ Juliet: …. Don’t tell Mrs. Soft, okay? She’s already on my case because of this math test she thinks I cheated on.

Vanessa

* Pre-debate:
	+ Vanessa: Hi there! I’m sure you recall the warm way my husband welcomed you into our town!
	+ Tara: Yes, that was very nice.
	+ Vanessa: He’s truly the best candidate to bring our community together! I know he would appreciate your support!
* Post-debate:
	+ Vanessa: I may be biased, but I think Mayor Soft made his case for why he deserves four more years!
	+ Tara: Do you always call him Mayor Soft? I mean, you’re his wife.
	+ Vanessa: Yes. Is that odd?

Otto

* Pre-debate:
	+ Mayor Otto: Greetings, neighbor! I hope I can count on your vote to keep “Fairhaven Strong!”
	+ Tara: Um, erm…
	+ Mayor Otto: Here, take a button!
* Post-debate:
	+ Mayor Otto: Have you heard what some people are saying? My debate performance was an inspiration! I'm the leader this town needs!
	+ Tara: Oh really, which people are saying that?
	+ Mayor Otto: Some. Many. Almost all the people!

Francis

* Pre-debate:
	+ Tara: Do you think we should re-elect Mayor Soft, Francis?
	+ Francis: Otto claims to be “Soft on small business” but he still owes me money for a necklace he bought for Mrs. Soft. Maybe we should elect someone who cares enough about small business owners to pay his debts on time.
* Post-debate:
	+ Tara: So what did you think of Otto’s speech at the debate?
	+ Francis: I don’t know. I stand a better chance of getting paid if he keeps his job, right? But it’s the principle of the thing.

Natalia

* Pre-debate:
	+ Natalia: Exciting election coming up, eh? I’ve never seen Otto in such a state!
	+ Tara: Do ya think he’s worried he might lose?
	+ Natalia: Well, Marty’s a handsome young upstart, to be sure! I mean, some gals might find him handsome. He’s not really my type. Course, I only seem to like ‘em shifty and, shall we say, “sporadically” employed. Haha!
* Post-debate:
	+ Natalia: What did ya think of the debate? I thought Otto made some “strong” points! Hehe! It’ll be down to the wire, I bet!

Cameron

* Pre-debate:
	+ Cameron: I hope you’ll consider voting to re-elect Mayor Otto. He’s brought so many great things to the community. Like me! Haha! I’m joking. But seriously, he has been a true supporter of our mission here.
* Post-debate:
	+ Tara: Nice job moderating the debate, Cameron!
	+ Cameron: Oh, thank you.

Angus

* Pre-debate:
	+ Angus: Do you know who you’re voting for yet, Tara? I can’t decide! Francis is pretty determined to vote for Marty, but Messenger Cameron thinks we should support Otto.
	+ Tara: Well, who do you like?
	+ Angus: I like not having political arguments at home, for one thing! Because then I get no snuggles. I just want to make baked goods and cuddle! Is that too much to ask for in life?
* Post-debate:
	+ Tara: Hey! Did the debate help you make up your mind about who to vote for, Angus?
	+ Angus: Maybe. Promise not to tell Francis?
	+ Tara: Sure.
	+ Angus: Oh, I can’t say it. But I guess I already gave it away. I hope he won’t be too mad at me.

Kai

* Pre-debate:
	+ Tara: Are you voting in the election, Kai?
	+ Kai: Of course, brah! Marty wants to build an awesome new gym! Gotta have some place to train when the waves are flat, man.
* Post-debate:
	+ Tara: Did the debate impact your vote, Kai?
	+ Kai: No way, my dude. Marty crushed it! He’s my bro.

Damon

* Pre-debate:
	+ Damon: Have you heard Marty’s running for mayor? I can’t wait to cast my vote. Goodbye, Otto’s bar tax! You should think about voting for Marty too. He wants to actually bring this town into the future!
	+ Tara: Okay, I’ll think about it!
* Post-debate:
	+ Damon: So you’re definitely going to vote for Marty now, right? I might have a party in the bar to celebrate on election night! You should come by!

Violet

* Post-debate
	+ Tara: You look like you’re in a good mood, Violet!
	+ Violet: Of course I am! Marty crushed Otto in the debate! I’ll be a little sad to lose Mrs. Soft’s business for fancy floral arrangements at the mayor’s mansion… But it’s worth it!