I had a booking/confirmation number and everything. I even showed the CC statement from my phone, which also had the booking number, too, but the counter agent didn't have the ability to change it even though he could see my name and seat on the flight. I had no time left, so I paid again and ran to security and then to the gate.
At least the the counter agent gave me a voucher for the trouble. I got myself a beer on the plane with it, because I needed it at that point!
Personally, I'm not sure we can assume there will be an election in four years. Or if there is one, that it won't be an "election", like in Russia.
(Likewise, if the US ever did take over Canada by force, I'm sure we would be a territory like Puerto Rico and not have a vote.)