[2 Sentences or Less]

At first glance, this movie appears to be a satire about political candidacy. However, it actually deals with some serious concerns about the influence of the average American’s vote.

Let me start with a quick and timely context for this movie, but be forewarned that spoilers are coming. Mid-Term elections are less then two weeks away, and a number of people have started to raise concerns about digital voting. The television trailers do this movie a disservice. They position this movie as a comedy about a Jon Stewart-like comedian that picks up the banner of the average man. But, the real plot of “Man of the Year” actually involves anomalies discovered in electronic voting software.

SPOILERS BEGINNING: This movie is a heady satire of the American political system. It will make you question whether your vote actually counts. Regardless of your political leanings, you have to admit in the last few elections have questioned whether the Electoral College is still relevant. You cast your votes, then a determination is made as to where electoral votes will be cast. In some cases, electoral votes don’t align with the popular vote. “Man of the Year” brings the same question to mind using digital voting as its metaphor. In the movie all presidential votes are cast by electronic ballot. A lone programmer discovers a glitch, and her company goes to great lengths to hush her discoveries. This movie definitely raises some interesting questions:

Does your vote count? The software company in this movie defends it’s position by stating that people voted - it just didn’t determine the election results. I’m not sure the average voter would be consoled by this thought. (And I don’t know that they are comfortable with the answer to that question now.)

What would or should an elected official do if they realize this mistake? I’m not sure most would take the higher road. American history certainly has its share of election scandals. (Ballot stuffing, dead voters, etc.) None of these events is punctuated with a morale example of humility.

Can election be stolen? This is an ugly reality of the electronic age (read the article.) Computers are stupid and dependent on human input. Humans make mistakes - sometimes deliberately. I’ve always contended, if something can be locked - it can be unlocked. Some hacker may have already deemed your vote worthless. How will you know? Will you care?

Enjoy this movie! Think about these questions, and if you’re a voter - consider how beautiful that dimpled/pregnant/hanging chad was when you click your e-Ballot.