2013-06-28
Explanation
This is a lengthy multi-panel comic that appears to satirize democratic processes and voting. It opens with what seems to be a political scenario involving candidates or a debate. A ballot or survey is shown with checkboxes for options including "Negative" and "Subsidized" (or similar choices), suggesting a referendum or election of some kind. The comic then shows various characters in what appears to be a public forum or town hall setting, engaging in heated debate about policy positions.
The comic follows the familiar SMBC pattern of taking a democratic or political process and revealing how absurd it becomes when people actually engage with the details. Characters argue passionately about positions that are either contradictory, self-defeating, or based on fundamental misunderstandings. The escalating debate appears to show how group decision-making can go spectacularly wrong when everyone has strong opinions but limited understanding.
The later panels show the consequences of whatever decision was reached, with characters reacting to the outcome. The comic seems to build to a punchline about the gap between democratic ideals and the messy reality of collective decision-making, a theme Weinersmith returns to frequently. The visual progression from orderly discussion to chaos mirrors real-world political discourse.
The votey panel shows a badger surrounded by colorful flower petals, which appears to be a complete non-sequitur -- a common SMBC votey technique where the bonus panel has nothing to do with the main comic, serving as an additional absurdist joke in itself.