Lynn McGuire <
lynnmcguire5@gmail.com> writes:
"Our writers pick the 26 best science fiction short stories of all time"
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2460679-our-writers-pick-the-26-best-science-fiction-short-stories-of-all-time/
"We asked New Scientist writers to pick their favourite sci-fi short
story. From H.G. Wells' The Time Machine to Octavia E. Butler's
I see that Jackson's The Lottery is in the list.
Reminded me that I re-post this every couple of yeas in the hope that
a newcomer to r.a.s.w. will have an answer.
---
This story dates from the 60s or before and probably wasn't considered
science fiction when published.
Scene is election day in a small town. Opens with the current
mayor, supported by police, probably doing something unspeakable
to the young daughter of the family across the street.
At the end, the citizens gather on the common where the mayor is
lashed to a post, surrounded by faggots of firewood. He's to be
burned at the stake. If no one intervenes, his medallion of office
will explode early in the process giving him a quick death. If
another citizen comes forward and removes the chain of office, the
incumbent mayor burns slowly while the citizen dons the chain and
becomes the new mayor.
Someone does come forward and take the chain, becoming the new
mayor.
For many years, pre-internet, I thought this was entitled "Election
Day" and was by Shirley Jackson. Now, on the net, I can't find it and
it seems not to be in Jackson's