I enjoyed this game but I was bummed out by both of the endings, given that they make it seem hopeless regardless of which choice you make. A better world wasn't an option :(
oh...really? I thought about that possibility but couldn't find or think of any way to get it... would you mind telling me? Or at least giving me hints? Also, is it permanently missable beyond any certain point in the game?
Before entering the voting room, use the hammer to smash the vase (and be careful not to trap your save inside the voting room because once you go in you can't go back)
Congrats on finding it! Also, the autosave feature keeps a save just before entering the room (if you go to the “Automatic” saves section, there are separate labeled saves).