Imperial Federation Holds 40-Day Election To Decide Which State Gets To Secede Next

Deluvia, Imperial Federation—Voters across the Imperial Federation went to the polls this week in the nation’s regular 40-day election, choosing from a ballot that this cycle included the chancellor, several senators and, for the first time, which of the Federation’s states would be allowed to secede next.

The Federation, which spans territory in Deluvia, Karydia, Alenarith and the Western Continent, has long allowed its states and territories wide autonomy, including the freedom to leave and later be reabsorbed. Officials say the new ballot measure simply “formalises what everybody was already doing.”

“Secession is a cherished part of our democracy,” said a Federation official, standing in front of a map that had been redrawn so many times it was mostly eraser marks. “Groups secede, they are reabsorbed, they secede again. It’s the circle of life. We just felt it was time to put it on a schedule.”

Under the new rules, any state wishing to secede must give 40 days’ notice, submit its new flag for approval, and agree to be reabsorbed no later than the following election. States that secede without permission will be reabsorbed immediately and then given permission retroactively.

Constitutional scholars say the arrangement is unusual but legally sound. “The Emperor’s powers are limited, enhanced and undertaken by the Constitution, the Senate, the judiciary and the executive,” said one scholar. “Honestly, after reading that sentence, scheduled secession is the least confusing part.”

Turnout was reported at 61 percent, with a further 12 percent of voters casting ballots in states that had seceded during voting and were reabsorbed before the count.

Three states have already applied to secede from the secession process itself. Officials said the applications would be considered at the next election, in 40 days.

At press time, the Senate was debating whether a state that had seceded from the Federation could still vote on which state should secede from the Federation next.