So, what'll be your voting show time?

Ah, the theatricality of civic duty. Much like selecting the perfect time to go out to the movies, the act of voting offers its own menu of showtimes. Morning voters, early birds of democracy, sip their coffee with a hot plate full of electoral enthusiasm. They're all gung-ho to cast their ballots before the rest of the world lands up. As soon as their morning walk's done, off they go to change the country by the press of a button. Noon voters, like the midday matinee crowd, tactically sneak away from their daily grind for an intermission of political participation, sandwiched between work and home. The citizen going out to vote at noon also hopes fewer folks will brave the heat at this hour. Fingers crossed, they go hoping the mob hasn't also thought up of joining the 'ticket line' at this abominable hour.

Afternoon voters, akin to the blockbuster crowd, flock to polling stations after work, their civic engagement illuminated by democratic ardour. They don't mind the crowd - for they are the crowd. All they want is to be seen as being integral to the mandate of 'box office'. Then there are the night show-walas. In hustings terms, they make up the voters who are there till ballots go home. And there's, of course, the OTT viewers - who watch the mega movie playing outside from the comfort of their home and political sofa position.