The Big Exciting Hightonian Election of 2020

[Highton]

Hightonisch Wahlen 2020
(Hightonian 2020 Election)

August 21st, 2020

Presidential Election:
KRP Candidate- Annika Winterbach
LRP Candidate- Emilia Grünesfeld
RP Candidate- Isaak Grimmlinger
LP Candidate- Nicole Elsig
G Candidate- Henry Hautzig
HRP Candidate- Otto Heidl
HSP Candidate- David Fleck

KRP = Conservative Republican Party
LRP = Liberal Republican Party
RP = Royalist Party
LP = Liberty Party*
G = Green Party
HFP = Hightonian Right Party**
HSP = Hightonian Socialist Party

*- Former the Libertarian Party
**- Formerly Die Recht​

 

[Highton]

PARTY LEADERSHIP RACES:

KRP:
- Alina Ziegler (VP-AL) - Eliminated 8 Mar. 2020
- Annika Winterbach (Rep-AL) ✦
- Dominik Klempner (Sen-NH) - Dropped out 16 Nov. 2019
- Edmund Schlitz (Rep-RT) - Dropped out 18 Feb. 2020
- Gunther Dorn (Myr-HI) - Dropped out 21 Nov. 2019
- Marvin Goldblum (Rep-NH) - Dropped out 19 Feb. 2020
- Nicolas Jonas (Rep-NH) - Dropped out 26 Oct. 2019
- Zacharias Heineken (Sen-NH) - Dropped out 20 Feb. 2020

LRP:
- Emilia Grünesfeld (Gov-PX) ✦
- Kayla Reitter (Rep-PX) - Dropped out 1 Mar. 2020
- Magnus Detmold (Sen-PX) - Dropped out 25 Nov. 2019
- Marcus Hengsbach (Rep-NH) - Dropped out 1 Feb. 2020
- Marina Leupolz (Rep-AL) - Eliminated 8 Mar. 2020
- Niels Kleiber (Myr-AL) - Dropped out 10 Nov. 2019

RP:
- Dominik Höger (Sen-TK) - Dropped out 3 Jan. 2020
- Hannes Kreutzwald (Fmr Gov-RT) - Dropped out 1 Jan. 2020
- Isaak Grimminger (Rep-TK) ✦

LP:
- Nicole Elsig (Fmr Myr-AX) ✦
- Victor Hantzsch (Sen-CO) - Dropped out 13 Nov. 2019

 

[Highton]

PRELIMINARY POLLING: 19TH OF OCTOBER, 2019

Spoiler: KRP

Spoiler: LRP

Spoiler: RP

Spoiler: LP

​

 

[Highton]

FIRST LIBERAL DEBATE HELD​

---

Rixion, Hightonia – The first debate of three for the Liberal Republican Party (LRP) was held in Rixion last night at the Geheimestadt Convention Center. Six candidates took to the stage; Marcus Hengsbach, Marina Leupolz, Emilia Grünesfeld, Kayla Reitter, Niels Kleiber, Magnus Detmold. Kleiber and Detmold, both polling under five percent, were from the start seen as very unlikely candidates to win the leadership race with the LRP. Kleiber began by attacking Hengsbach for opposing motions in the Legislature to take up arms against Kardonyszlavic terrorists in Highton. During the crisis over the summer, the Representative from North Highton had voted against a Royalist Party proposal to directly attack the possible location of the Pavlov Society's base camp along the Hightonian-Kardonyszlavic border. Detmold was very ineffective throughout the debate, and the Senator's campaign may not last much longer. The four main candidates duked it out, contesting many prominent issues. In general, all four pledged their support for a more open border, welcoming refugees from Oclusia and other countries. Emilia Grünesfeld, who according to a Thomas III University poll only had support in the single digits, had a strong performance; she was the only candidate on stage who supported the Libertarian Party's "New Rixion Plan" to annex North Vaasa and redraw the borders of Cocoland, Hightonia, and Vaasa. In the hours since Grünesfeld has been the most Verseikened candidate and has seen a sharp rise in polling overnight. Reitter, on the other hand, has faded after referring to President Calabrese as "ineffective"- the President has extremely high approval ratings, around 75%, a comment which was not popular even amongst Liberals. Early polls show that the LRP's leadership race will likely become one of three horses; the current shoo-in, Hengsbach, plus Grünesfeld and Melanie Leupolz. The second debate will be held on November 17th in Port Phoenix.

 

[Highton]

PRELIMINARY POLLING: 13TH OF NOVEMBER, 2019

Spoiler: KRP

Spoiler: LRP

Spoiler: RP

Spoiler: LP

​

 

[Highton]

PRELIMINARY POLLING: 26TH OF NOVEMBER, 2019

Spoiler: KRP

Spoiler: LRP

Spoiler: RP

Spoiler: LP

​

 

[Highton]

PRELIMINARY POLLING: 19TH OF DECEMBER, 2019

Spoiler: KRP

Spoiler: LRP

Spoiler: RP

​

 

[Highton]

WINTERBACH AND GRÜNESFELD EMERGE AS TOP CONTENDERS FOLLOWING DEBATES​

---

Both the KRP and LRP held presidential debates this week as the field of candidates in each party whittles down. The emergence of a north/south divide on the continent of Craviter has left Highton caught in the middle, adding even higher stakes the election this summer. The concerns of possible Syrixian and Malorian intervention in the election seem to be a real threat, and several candidates across both parties have stated that everything possible needs to be done to avoid foreign interference.

After the Liberal debate, Emilia Grünesfeld has emerged as a clear leader in the race for the LRP’s nomination. Grünesfeld found herself debating her competitor Kayla Reitter on the subject of North Vaasa, with Reitter defending the “New Rixion Plan,” something seemingly unpopular amongst Liberal voters. She won the debate and shared her belief that while the possible new territory does need to be allowed to exercise its right to self determination and join Highton, it should remain as a collectivity and given autonomy. In polls this week, Grünesfeld has soared to 49%.

The Liberal Republican Party has been a record number of women run for President this year, and the Conservative Republican Party is no different. Annika Winterbach now leads the race for KRP leadership by a large margin and with two months left until the party’s final decision will be made, it is a good sign. With the Vaasa crisis the core of the campaign, Winterbach has insisted that it possible, they should get the opportunity to vote in this year’s election. “The Vaasan people are Rixions, and as such should be able to vote for who will lead them”. Later this month, voters from the states of Aleman and Pobfénix will have the opportunity to cast their votes for party leadership in preliminary elections.

 

[Highton]

KRP LEADERSHIP RACE TO COME DOWN TO THE WIRE​

---

HIGHTON CITY, NH -- It is very clear now that for the first time in the history of the Conservative Republican Party, it will have a female leader. The race has essentially been narrowed down to two candidates: slim frontrunner Annika Winterbach, the 38-year-old Versammlunger from Trier, and Alina Ziegler, the current Vice President of Highton. When Winterbach entered the race, her success could not have been foreseen; she provided a fresh, young, energetic face with creative policy proposals. However, Ziegler has been Vice President for four years in what has been considered one of the most successful administrations of modern times and it has been assumed that in the end, she will win over KRP members in March to secure her party's nomination.

 

[Highton]

Name: Nicole Elsig (née Dinita)

Party: Liberty Party (LP)

Current Position: None

Former Position(s): Mayor (Alexandria, AX)

Spoiler: Photograph

Date of Birth: 30 May, 1972

Age: 47

Place of Birth: Alexandria, A.C. Alexandria

Religion: Courantist

Spouse: Mr. Rob Elsig

Issue: Samuel

Name: Isaak Grimmlinger

Party: Royal Party of Highton (RP)

Current Position: Versammlunger (Talanskland 4)

Former Position(s): Mayor (Soanborg, Talanskland)

Spoiler: Photograph

Date of Birth: 29 February, 1944

Age: 76

Place of Birth: Georgetown, Rixionland

Religion: None

Spouse: Mrs. Ursula Grimmlinger (née Brücke)

Issue: Lars, Isaak, Isabelle

Name: Emilia Rosa Elisabetta Grünesfeld (née Votti)

Party: Liberal Republican Party (LRP)

Current Position: Governor (Pobfénix)

Former Position(s): Senatorin (Pobfénix-1), Pobfénix-Versammlunger (Pobfénix 1.1)

Spoiler: Photograph

Date of Birth: 6 February, 1972

Age: 48

Place of Birth: Peuportîle

Religion: Lutheran

Spouse: Mr. Steven Grünesfeld

Issue: Anna

Name: Marina Leupolz

Party: Liberal Republican Party (LRP)

Current Position: Versammlunger (Aleman-18)

Former Position(s): None

Spoiler: Photograph

Date of Birth: 3 January, 1983

Age: 37

Place of Birth: Nola, Talansk

Religion: Lutheran

Spouse: None

Issue: None

Name: Annika Helena Winterbach (née Olmo)

Party: Conservative Republican Party (KRP)

Current Position: Versammlunger (Aleman-16)

Former Position(s): Aleman-Senatorin (Aleman-16.3)

Spoiler: Photograph

Date of Birth: 1 August, 1971

Age: 48

Place of Birth: Trier, Aleman

Religion: Courantist

Spouse: Mr. Anthony Winterbach

Issue: Vincent, Katherine

Name: Alina Marka Ziegler (née De Vass)

Party: Conservative Republican Party (KRP)

Current Position: Vice President of Highton

Former Position(s): Senatorin (Aleman), Aleman-Senatorian (3)

Spoiler: Photograph

Date of Birth: 19 April, 1969

Age: 50

Place of Birth: Santa Eliana, North Highton

Religion: Agnostic

Spouse: Mr. Ryan Ziegler

Issue: Thomas, Timothy

 

[Highton]

FIRST VOTES CAST IN KRP/LRP RACES​

---

HIGHTON CITY, NH -- The 8th of March will be the day on which Highton's two largest political parties, the conservative KRP and liberal LRP, will announce their nominees for Highton's office of President. Highton is known for having a relatively long and drawn out process for picking its president, with the official election season lasting from March to the election in August. Today, the first votes were cast, mostly in Pobfénix. The polls remain open for four days, until Friday evening, and a clear winner is expected by sometime on Thursday or Friday.

In the LRP's leadership race, Emilia Grünesfeld is the overwhelming favorite. For the 48-year-old governor, a statement needs to be made with a big win in the leadership race. With 3% of results in, Grünesfeld was a lead of 71%, but this is unsurprising considering most of those votes were cast in her home state. Her liberal platform promises to once and for all choose the answer to the "Kravinja Frage" (Craviter Question) and bring Highton closer to the north. Meanwhile, Marina Leupolz wants the most status quo approach to the Question through not picking a side and that is why she has been more popular with older voters. However, with Grünesfeld riding recent momentum, it appears that she could be the apparent winner as early as Wednesday night.

The Conservative Republican Party's race is much more intriguing. Annika Winterbach and Alina Ziegler are neck-and-neck with the current VP Ziegler currently holding a slim lead. Both would best be described as moderate candidates as more right-wing candidates were slowly whittled down throughout the winter. On the main foreign affairs topic of the election, Alina Ziegler is a strong believer in the answer to the question being South. Winterbach also agrees that the answer is south, but in someways less staunchly. "We need to be cautious before making huge decisions for our nation's future" she said when asked if she would pursue membership to the proposed military pact amongst southern nations such as Syrixia, Ugria, and Xentherida.

 

[Highton]

The stage was set in the arena. Normally, the largest indoor venue in Highton would be used for handball, or perhaps basketball, but today it was being used for the KRP's presidential nomination convention. It was full to the brim with thousands of party members packing in to hear the announcement of the results. The vote was so close, that while the rival LRP's winner was clear for the whole week, there was no obvious victor coming into the convention. As anticipation built, several figures gave speeches ahead of the announcement of results. Around six o'clock in the afternoon, as the President concluded his speech, he looked to his right noticing the Party Chairman. He finished speaking and handed things over to the Chairman.

"As chairman of the Conservative Republican Party, it is my duty to proclaim the results of the primary election to determine the nominee for the office of President. Thousands have voted to select our parties candidate and the next president of Highton!" He was handed a blue envelope. He opened the envelope and examined the paper inside before reading the results aloud, state by state.

"Mrs. Annika Winterbach received the most of votes in the State of Aleman with 325,332 votes. Mrs. Alina Ziegler received the most votes in the Autonomous City of Alexandria with 109,289 votes. Mrs. Annika Winterbach received the most votes in the State of North Highton with 211,402 votes. Mrs. Alina Ziegler received the most votes in the State of Pobfénix with 90,110 votes. Mrs. Alina Ziegler received the most votes in the State of Reyterra with 199,893 votes. Mrs. Annika Winterbach received the most votes in the State of Rixionland with 68,419 votes. Mrs. Annika Winterbach received the most votes in the Overseas Collectivity of Saint Eliana with 211 votes. Mrs. Alina Ziegler received the most votes in the State of Talanskland with 128,639 votes. Mrs. Alina Ziegler received the most votes in the State of Vaasa with 31,004 votes. Mrs. Annika Winterbach received the most votes in the Overseas Collectivity of the Vaasan Islands with 88 votes." He paused for a moment before reading out the candidate with the most cumulative votes.

"And nation wide, with one million, eight thousand, three hundred and twenty-one votes, the elected leader of the Conservative Republican Party, the Versammlunger from Trier, Aleman, Annika Winterbach!!!"

 

[Highton]

GRÜNESFELD VS. WINTERBACH VS. GRIMMLINGER​

---

HIGHTON CITY, NH -- The countdown is on; over the course of the next five months, Emilia Grünesfeld and Annika Winterbach will battle for the presidency. August 21st will be the date of the election and between now and then it will be a grueling process of debates, fundraising, and campaigning. This is set to be a historic election: it is the first time that the KRP has nominated a woman as its presidential candidate, and only the third time that the LRP has nominated a woman. It is the first time that two of the three major parties have nominated a woman. The Royal Party's Isaak Grimmlinger will likely be a major factor in this election as well. One might recall that in 2016, the Royal Party's nominee Sophia Issiani vastly outperformed the LRP's nominee Bert Feininger and finished second. A similar result is unlikely–by all measures the LRP should not make the same mistakes as last time–but with Grimmlinger an experienced Versammlunger from the traditional RP hotbed of Talanskland, it is not out of the question that he could steal away many votes in that state.

The fourth potentially major factor? Nicole Elsig of the Liberty Party. After her party's strong showing in the 2018 Versammlung elections, she will be hoping to play a role. While her odds of winning the presidency are very slim, it is possible that she will try to change the focus of the election: divert away from the ruckus debates over foreign policy and to focus on the implications of the North Vaasa annexation. While there are a few other minor party candidates, it is unlikely that any will have an impact on the election. The next major events in the election will come this week. Sometine in the next few days, Grünesfeld, Winterbach, and Grimmlinger will announce their running mates. There is still much speculation over who these will be.

Stay tuned for HAN updates on HAN and Fluttr to stay up to date on the election.

 

[Highton]

Port Phoenix. Governor Grünesfeld has opted to hold her rally outside despite the 8ºC temperatures. It was not that warm, yet a huge crowd turned out. This was the city that she grew up in. This was one of her first rallies after being named the nominee for the LRP but it was not an ordinary rally. Today, she was announcing her running mate. The crowd roared as the Pobfénix governor began to introduce the running mate.

"For the man to serve as the next vice president of Highton, I have chosen someone that I know well. If you have been following our party's race you will know his sister. Like his sister, he is a strong competitor and not only someone I believe will help take us to the Presidency but also someone that I have total faith in as one to help run the country. So without further ado, the next vice president of Highton..."

"... Michael Leupolz!"

* * * * *​

Two days later, a similar rally was being held in Rixion City. Annika Winterbach, the nominee for the KRP, stood before a huge crowd in Highton's "Eastern Capital". She too was announcing her running mate, but unlike her main competitor, it was promising to be another woman. Rumors had swirled; for a long time, it seemed that Antonio Fernández, the International Affairs Secretary, would be named running mate. But another important yet presently unemployed woman would actually make it onto the ticket.

"Today, you have given me a warm welcome on this cold day. And a gift for you today, my running mate is also here as well!" She waited behind the stage, invisible to the masses. "Someone I trust. Someone with experience in both domestic affairs and foreign affairs." She had been in the news a few months prior following controversial events hundreds of miles away, and now she was finally matching her political ambitions. "And now, the woman who will share the ticket with me..."

"... Lucie Marquette!"

 

[Highton]

GRIMMLINGER SOARS TO FIRST IN RT, TK

Spoiler: Current Leaders (Polls)

---

ALEXANDRIA, AX -- Following a strong few weeks on the campaign trail, Issak Grimmlinger has soared into the lead according to some polls in Reyterra and Talanskland. At 76 years old he is the oldest major candidate left in the race and the recent growth of his popularity at the moment will be a major concern to the LRP and Emilia Grünesfeld. He has also stormed into a close second in Aleman, with about 35% of support. The Rixionland-born Versammlunger will be hoping to surge into the lead nationally with a debate coming up in Victoria in two weeks.

Grimmlinger's recent success has come amidst a slow news cycle, however; how has he been able to surge so quickly in several states? The answer is quite simple; he has invested much of his early campaign spending into those states, hoping to emerge as one of the main contenders. As most of the foreign press has been around Annika Winterbach and Emilia Grünesfeld, the Royal Party nominee has focused on less glamorous regions like Talanskland in promoting advertising and holding events. Talanskland, in particular, has an older population and is a hotbed of RP support. As the oldest and most experienced candidate in the race, that is how he is hoping to win over Talansk voters.

 

[Highton]

GRIMMLINGER LEADS NATIONALLY​

---

HIGHTON CITY, NH -- According to polls conducted by Thomas III University this week, Isaak Grimmlinger leads the Hightonian election race in 4 of 8 states; Grimmlinger leads in Talanskland, Aleman, Reyterra, Alexandria, as well as in St Eliana. Although most of the early media was focused on Annika Winterbach and Emilia Grünesfeld, as well as much of the foreign press, with election day three months out, it is the third-party candidate who has been steadily growing his lead. The Royal Party nominee spoke in Essen earlier today to supporters.

"According to the polls, we are the leaders right now." His remarks were followed by rapturous applause. His campaign is currently scrambling to recruit more staff as the unexpected lead has emerged. Whether the lead can be held remains yet to be seen.

Another recent poll from HAN in Talanskland shows a 44% lead, an extraordinary number compared to second-placed Grünesfeld (23%), third-placed Elsig (18%), and fourth-placed Winterbach (14%).

Stay tuned for HAN updates on HAN and Fluttr to stay up to date on the election.

Spoiler: Map Poll

 

[Highton]

"NEVER"​

---

HIGHTON CITY, NH -- Issak Grimmlinger may well be out of the running in the Hightonian election, despite leading many nationwide polls since late April. Rumors of Grimmlinger's potential drop out from the race were sparked by a social media outcry following the discovery of a video file from April which showed the now-Royal Party's leader making what are believed to be misogynistic comments directed towards his competitors in the race, Annika Winterbach and Emilia Grünesfeld. In the leaked video, Grimmlinger states that a woman could "never" hold as high an office as the presidency in Highton, citing the failures of Highton's only ever female president, Ida Schönau. The video surfaced after prominent leak site Leakstar published the video to social media. The original source of the video remains unknown.

HAN attempted to reach out to Grimmlinger's campaign for comment but without response; the campaign has thus far remained silent and has not yet published any sort of response. A press conference is expected to be scheduled tomorrow, however, and with the election merely three weeks away it seems very unlikely that Grimmlinger or his party will be able to take their place in the President's office. According to flash polling today, Grünesfeld and Winterbach are neck and neck, both polling about 35%, with Grimmlinger dipping into the low 20s range.

Stay tuned for HAN updates on HAN and Fluttr to stay up to date on the election.

 

[Highton]

GRÜNESFELD FEARS INTERFERENCE MERE DAYS BEFORE ELECTION​

---

ALEXANDRIA, AX -- LRP Presidential Candidate Emilia Grünesfeld stated today that she fears foreign interference in the 2020 Hightonian election. These fears were revealed by Grünesfeld while speaking at a rally in Alexandria today, a mere nine days after Syrixian State Curator Diwan Sahab Ji visited Highton and briefly spoke with all three major candidates. Liberty Party nominee Nicole Elsig is believed to have declined an invitation to do the same. Grünesfeld believes that the state visit so close to the election, when coupled with the massive investments that the Syrixian government have put into Highton in the last few months, are quite blatant examples of election interference.

"It's no secret that Pataliputra has an interest in the KRP winning the election. To me, the North Vaasa Aid Act seems like more of an attempt to ensure that state votes Conservative. Why else would it be highly publicized by the Syrixian press?" The Act was passed by the Syrixian legislature earlier this year to help rebuild the region of North Vaasa, largely damaged by the month-long war between Highton and Ereion to annex the region. "Why else would the State Curator choose merely two weeks before the election to make his state visit? Surely Calabrese and Winterbach are responsible for such perfect timing that benefits no candidates but the KRP..." The accusations excited the crowd in Alexandria. "Now, I know the game of politics requires going to great lengths, but on Friday we will show that we don't need help from foreigners to win the election. From Port Phoenix to Kzüna, Czyville to Rixion City, and everything in between, we will show the world what we can do when our movement is strong, and we will finally win back the Presidency and ensure the best path for the future of our Crowned Republic!"

Winterbach reacted to accusations a few hours later while speaking to supporters near Vaasanport, just a short walk away from the Auburn Coast. "The election is 2 days away, ladies and gentlemen. And regardless of the... excuses... our opponents are setting up... I am proud to be looking to continue the fine work of our current president and make sure that Highton stays on its path into the future as the finest nation on the continent."

Polls in Vaasa, North Highton, and Aleman, the two most contentious states in this election, show that this election is currently too close to call as the KRP and LRP candidates look to make one final case for why they could be elected. The results of the legislative election should also be noted, as in many contentious districts the leading parties are often in the margin of error.

Stay tuned for HAN updates on HAN and Fluttr to stay up to date leading up to Friday's election.

 

[Highton]

FIRST ELECTION DAY VOTES CAST IN ST. ELIANA​

---

HALTENHEIM, EL -- As per tradition, the collectivity of St. Eliana was the first place in Highton to cast its votes. The island saw a 100% turnout amongst eligible voters, as its residents played their small role in the Presidential election as well as determining their sole delegate to the Versammlung in Highton City. In the latter, the islanders convincingly voted a member of the St Eliana Party into office for the first time since 2006; Benedikt Pilzer, aged 31, will become one of the youngest members of the Versammlung. It is also the first time since 2010 that the St Eliana Party has run a candidate due to the retirement of Georg Hauptmann (the current Versammlunger from the island, a member of the KRP). Pilzer has promised to ensure that the Versammlung provides the necessary funds to complete the St Eliana airport project within the next two years, bringing the island closer to Highton than ever before. If the airport is indeed completed in the next two years, Pilzer will likely be the last ever St Eliana Versammlunger to be required to travel to Highton via sea to the Iterian continent.

St Eliana also cast its presidential votes and unsurprisingly the most votes went to Liberty Party candidate Nicole Elsig. Elsig was one of the first politicians in the mainland to share support for the airport project. Despite this distinction as winner of the most votes on the island, the tiny population means that her victory by a small margin in the range of 250 votes will have little to no impact on the outcome of the election, nor should it be taken as an indicator of later results.

Winterbach - 990 (22%)
Grünesfeld - 1,260 (28%)
Grimmlinger - 260 (6%)
Elsig - 1,530 (34%)
Others - 495 (20%)

Stay tuned for HAN updates on HAN and Fluttr to stay up to date as the election continues.

 

[Highton]

ELECTION UPDATES: RIXIONLAND AND VAASA POLLS CLOSE​

---

KZÜNA, VA -- Highton's newest state, Vaasa, closes its polls in its first-ever Hightonian election. However, Vaasa's results likely won't come in for a couple of hours and will probably be the final state to be called by HAN. Due to the razor-thin nature of this presidential election, Vaasa may determine the election.

By contrast, Rixionland's election outcome is pretty much a foregone conclusion given that it has been a KRP stronghold since the 1970s. However, Winterbach must ensure that she can garner as many votes as possible and secure as large a margin of victory as possible. All indications thus far have shown that Annika Winterbach will win the as many as 60% of the state's votes.

Reyterra and Talanskland will both close their polls in one hour.

Stay tuned for HAN updates on HAN and Fluttr to stay up to date as the election continues.

 

[Highton]

ELECTION UPDATES: MIXED BAG OF RESULTS IN RT, TK​

---

DREITESTADT, RT -- The first final results have come out of Reyterra and Talanskland, whose electronic voting system has allowed for near-instantaneous results following the closing of polls 20 minutes ago. For Reyterra, a convincing margin of victory for Emilia Grünesfeld suggests that similar results will follow in Pobfénix and Alexandria, who normally vote in similar ways. That margin of victory in Reyterra is 151,000 votes, as Grünesfeld had secured about 35% of the vote. However, it is the Versammlung results that provide even more encouragement for her Liberal Republican Party, as 29 of the state's 40 districts have been won by the LRP. Meanwhile, the KRP only took 9 seats. In addition, the Royal Party took 3 and the Liberty Party claimed just 1.

In Talanskland, it is a totally different story, at least in the Presidential election. Despite what appears to be an extremely poor showing nationwide for Isaak Grimmlinger, he still wins his home state, albeit by a narrow margin, likely taking some Grünesfeld votes away. Winterbach and the KRP will be very pleased with the Talanskland results, contrary to the Reyterra results. Grimmlinger claimed 34.14%, whilst Winterbach was not far behind with 34.03%. Grünesfeld took only 16%. The Versammlung results are also pleasing for the KRP, as they secured 12 seats, the most of any party in the state. The Royal Party claimed 9, the LRP claimed 6, and the Greens took 1.

Reyterra
Winterbach - 476,124 (31.59%)
Grünesfeld - 530,833 (35.22%)
Grimmlinger - 251,079 (16.66%)
Elsig - 198,569 (13.18%)
Others - 22,246 (3.6%)

Talanskland
Winterbach - 368,519 (34.03%)
Grünesfeld - 183,559 (16.95%)
Grimmlinger - 369,634 (34.14%)
Elsig - 86,908 (8.03%)
Others - 82,538 (7.62%)

Stay tuned for HAN updates on HAN and Fluttr to stay up to date as the election continues.

 

[Highton]

ELECTION UPDATES: GRÜNESFELD WINS AX, PX, WINTERBACH WINS RX​

---

PT. PHOENIX, PX -- There were no surprises as the vote results for Alexandria, Pobfénix, and Rixionland were revealed in quick succession moments ago.

As expected, Emilia Grünesfeld won the most votes in Alexandria by over 155,000. Annika Winterbach came a distant second, with Nicole Elsig coming in third place, amassing 401,000 votes in large part due to her former role as Mayor of the City of Alexandria. Grimmlinger barely won 100,000 votes and finished in a very distant fourth place; following the Talanskland, Reyterra, and Alexandria results, it is quite safe to say that Elsig and Grimmlinger can be counted out of the election, quashing any chances of a shock. The 668,480 votes Grünesfeld received in Alexandria is the most far of any candidate in every state. In the Autonomous City's Versammlung elections, the vast majority of the 42 seats went to the LRP, with 29. The Royal Party got 9, and the KRP and Liberty Party both got 2.

Pobfénix was another convincing win for Grünesfeld; as she is a former governor of the state, this is no surprise. Although she was born on the island of Peuportîle she has spent most of her life in the state and was elected to both the Versammlung and Senate out of it. Grünesfeld got 42.7% of the vote in Pobfénix; 466,866; which puts her firmly in the lead in this election thus far. But with three of the most significant states in the election, Aleman, North Highton, and Vaasa yet to report it is far from over. As for the Versammlung elections in Pobfénix, the KRP again failed to gain significant ground, winning only two seats, while the LRP got 16. The LRP is well on their way to securing a majority, and even if they fall just shy of 151 they can likely rely on a coalition with the Royal Party or Green Party.

Rixionland also reported its results, though it was a bit more delayed. To the surprise of no one, Annika Winterbach received 60% of the vote. The KRP nearly swept the state, winning 11 seats and narrowing losing two others, 2 to the HRP (Recht) and 2 to the Greens.

Winterbach also won overwhelmingly won the Vaasan Islands territory.

Rixionland and Vaasa results in this election take longer to be confirmed due to their use of a slightly older, cheaper model of ElekStimmung electronic voting systems, while the rest of the states generally operate under a newer model which allows results to be released mere minutes after the closing of polls. While Rixionland's results only took two hours, it probably won't be until late this evening we know the vote counts from Vaasa.

Alexandria
Winterbach - 413,469 (24.86%)
Grünesfeld - 668,480 (40.19%)
Grimmlinger - 130,136 (7.82%)
Elsig - 401,466 (24.13%)
Others - 47,904 (3.00%)

Pobfénix
Winterbach - 305,041 (27.90%)
Grünesfeld - 466,866 (42.70%)
Grimmlinger - 143,245 (13.10%)
Elsig - 139,448 (12.75%)
Others - 39,524 (3.55%)

Rixionland
Winterbach - 388,327 (60.74%)
Grünesfeld - 111,870 (17.50%)
Grimmlinger - 20,877 (3.27%)
Elsig - 37,862 (5.92%)
Hautzig - 42,320 (6.62%)
Heidl - 42,416 (6.63%)
Others - 258 (0.04%)

Stay tuned for HAN updates on HAN and Fluttr to stay up to date as the election continues.

 

[Highton]

ELECTION UPDATES: WINTERBACH EDGES INTO LEAD, BUT LRP CLINCH VERSAMMLUNG​

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HIGHTON CITY, NH -- This year's election was thought to be the most important in recent history, and the presidential election is coming right down to the wire as well. Meanwhile, assuming that the Royal Party will agree to the standard "Blue Coalition", the Liberal Republican Party has clinched a majority in the Versammlung, even with the results in Vaasa yet to be completed. But in the all-important presidential race, Annika Winterbach has taken a huge leap towards Highton City. The 32,000 vote margin with which she won in North Highton could be the vital difference-maker at the conclusion of the race, something we expect in less than an hour.

As mentioned, the KRP nominee has taken a slight edge in the race as she gains 666,978 to her opponent's 634,743. Winterbach visited several parts of the state to ensure as high a turnout as possible in non-urban areas of North Highton. This clearly paid off, as turnout numbers showed that she was successful in energizing her base in the area. Meanwhile, in Aleman, Winterbach was able to use the strong support in rural areas to receive a slightly higher number of votes in that state, countering the large number of votes Grünesfeld received in Glöckenkirchen and Trier. The KRP actually claimed 9 more seats in Aleman than the LRP when it comes to the Versammlung, but it wasn't enough to prevent the Liberals from securing a majority for the Blue Coalition in the chamber.

Aleman
Winterbach - 1,012,682 (33.22%)
Grünesfeld - 1,010,969 (33.17%)
Grimmlinger - 358,075 (11.75%)
Elsig - 586,639 (19.25%)
Others - 149,810 (4.83%)

North Highton
Winterbach - 666,978 (38.90%)
Grünesfeld - 634,743 (37.02%)
Grimmlinger - 163,833 (9.56%)
Elsig - 158,794 (9.26%)
Others - 63,144 (3.68%)

Stay tuned for HAN updates on HAN and Fluttr to stay up to date as the election continues.

 

[Highton]

"Ma'am, the Vaasa results are in,"

"Don't tell me I want to find out with everyone else," Annika replied. She watched the television closely as the animation appeared on screen indicating that more results had just been confirmed. They were from Vaasa, the last state to report. Looking at the current numbers, she led the razor-thin race by merely 23,000 votes nationwide, and with citizens of Vaasa likely casting over a million votes there was plenty of room for her rival to make a comeback. Now she watched intently as the results flashed up on the screen.

Vaasa (100% reported)
Winterbach: 41.31%
Grünesfeld 41.28%

Nationwide (100% reported)
Winterbach: 34.11%
Grünesfeld: 33.91%

The room was celebratory. Because despite a margin of victory of just 24,169, Annika Helena Winterbach would be the next President of Highton.

 

[Highton]

Emilia watched as the numbers from Vaasa flashed up on the screen as the anchor declared a victory for Annika Winterbach. 24,169 votes, that was all. In her head, she visualized Phoenix Stadium back home in Port Phoenix and knew that the election had been decided by the votes of fewer people than could fill that relatively small stadium. She was shocked. Normally, the mood of someone losing an election this close would be disappointment. Regret. But she felt angry. She felt something was up. Surely, the pumping of money from Pataliputra to Vaasa in the last few months prompted the results in that state to sway. That result had decided the election after all. No way in hell would she get away with this. She began typing up a flutt, despite her anger, to congratulate her opponent. But the television anchor continued in the background.

"But let's not forget, the LRP has control of the Versammlung, the fact that they've won it back from the KRP for the first time since 2012 should provide some solace for this heartbreaking presidential election."

Oh, believe me, Emilia thought, that's something alright.

 

[Highton]

ELECTION UPDATES: WINTERBACH WINS​

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TRIER, AL -- Annika Winterbach will be the thirteenth president of Highton after narrowly defeating Emilia Grünesfeld in today's election. The results from Vaasa were revealed a little after 11 o'clock, with members of the KRP including President Calabrese quick to congratulate Winterbach. The election was mathematically the closest in Hightonian history, being decided by a little over 24,000 votes, just 0.2% of the total vote. What we can expect to see in the coming days and weeks, however, will be analysis into the results, and after accusations of foreign election interference were made by the LRP and its leader Grünesfeld in recent days, there could be an investigation in the near future.

"It is with great pride that I will take the office of President and I can't wait to get started," says the president-elect in a Twitcher post moments ago. Her opponent also took to social media to congratulate her. Other than that flutt, however, the Grünesfeld camp is yet to release any other information.

Both the president and the new members of the Versammlung will be sworn in on September 7th -- in 17 days. Between now and then there will be preparation to transition both the Versammlung and the Presidential Palace for the changeovers. Louis Brockmann will become the Chancellor of the Versammlung on that day as well, as the head of the LRP in the Versammlung.

Vaasa
Winterbach - 522,303 (41.31%)
Grünesfeld - 521,967 (41.28%)
Grimmlinger - 72,611 (5.74%)
Elsig - 91,813 (7.26%)
Others - 63,829 (5.05%)

Highton
Winterbach - 4,157,925 (34.11%)
Grünesfeld - 4,133,756 (33.91%)
Grimmlinger - 1,511,169 (12.40%)
Elsig - 1,704,076 (13.98%)
Others - 590,228 (4.84%)

Stay tuned for HAN updates on HAN and Fluttr for more updates on Hightonian politics.

 

[Highton]

Here are the final election results.
Image 1 = Versammlung results by state
Image 2 = Presidential election results by candidate and state
Image 3 = Versammlung results map
Image 4 = Versammlung semicircle diagram
Image 5 = Presidential election results by state
Image 6 = Presidential election results by district

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