A day meant to embody unity and shared purpose, for some, ended in weariness and a sense of disappointment. Those who came with open hearts and hopeful spirits found themselves waiting by the ballot box—waiting far longer than they were welcomed or acknowledged.
We arrived with hope, yet a quiet voice within us said: If only we had been met differently.
Presence born of devotion, not merely a vote
Many who came did so for far more than casting a ballot.
Their presence was an expression of faith, loyalty, and love for the community.
Leaving home, making the journey, and patiently standing in line are not small acts—they speak of a heart committed to collective effort.
If only that love had been seen. If only that devotion had been returned with warmth.
The first moments shape the entire experience
If, upon arrival, there had been someone to guide, to hand out numbers, or simply to welcome, much of the confusion and unease might have been avoided.
The start of any gathering is like the threshold of a home:
When the door opens with kindness and calm, people step in with lighter hearts.
Simple hospitality brightens the spirit
The waiting stretched on—close to two hours—and as time passed, fatigue grew.
Water and seating were available, but a small gesture—a cool drink or a bite of cake—could have lifted spirits and softened the strain.
Appreciation is not only spoken in words; often, it is shown through simple, thoughtful acts of care.
Too Few Stations, Far Too Much Waiting
The voting stations provided were far too few, which led to long lines and extended waiting.
With better planning and a clearer estimate of how many people would come, this delay could have been avoided.
Fatigue takes the excitement out of participation—and it’s something that could have been prevented with foresight.
Voting deserves privacy and peace of mind
The booths were set up so close together that no dividers separated them.
In such a setting, some might feel exposed, as though others could see their ballot.
Voting should be an act carried out calmly and with confidence.
Ensuring that sense of privacy is a way of honoring each person’s choice.
The time of our fellow Zoroastrians is invaluable
Those who attended were more than just voters—they are the lifeblood of this community.
They offered their time, stepped away from their own daily lives, stood patiently in line, and waited.
We must treat their time with respect.
Their hours should be spent shaping the future, not waiting in poorly organized lines or listening to unclear instructions.
If we fail to value people’s time, we risk losing their faith and trust.
Every Event Has Its Flaws, But We Can Do Better
No gathering is perfect.
Yet, much of what happened could have been handled differently—with a bit of thoughtful planning and genuine care.
People come with their hearts open. When those hearts are hurt, they may choose not to return.
It is these simple, sincere hearts that form the foundation of our community.
I still believe that with new perspective, empathy, and good organization, we can touch more hearts.
I still believe kindness can be rekindled.
Our fellow Zoroastrians deserve nothing less.
They deserve to be met with warmth—not just during election times, but always.
They deserve our respect for their time, our attentive ears to their words, and our genuine companionship.
