Election Night Party Ideas to Make Your Gathering a Landslide Victory

Election night is upon us, and whether you’re an election junkie, a casual observer, or someone just looking for an excuse to party on a Tuesday, it’s time to throw an election night bash that your friends won’t forget. While the fate of the nation may be in the balance, the real question is: How do you keep people from bolting for the door after 14 hours of watching electoral maps? The answer lies in turning your living room into the ultimate campaign HQ of fun. Here are some election night party ideas that are sure to poll well with your guests:

1. The Red, White, and Booze Bar

No political party is complete without… well, an actual party. Set up a DIY cocktail bar with red, white, and blue drinks. Some ideas to get you started:

• The Electoral College Shot: Tequila with a blue liqueur float, garnished with a tiny American flag toothpick. Every shot represents a swing state.
• Filibuster Punch: A concoction so strong, it’ll leave your guests talking for hours about nothing in particular.
• The Bipartisan Martini: Mix vodka and gin for a rare show of political unity in a glass. The olive? That’s the moderates, of course.

2. “Pin the Tail on the Politician” Game

This classic party game gets a timely twist: Swap out the donkey from the original game and replace it with a cutout of your favorite (or least favorite) politician. Instead of a tail, pin ridiculous political promises or campaign slogans on them. Nothing says “fun” like trying to attach “Free Ice Cream for All” to the back of a cardboard senator while blindfolded.

3. Ballot Bingo

Election coverage can be a long, grueling event, but you can keep your guests entertained with a rousing game of Ballot Bingo. Create bingo cards with election-night phrases like:

• “Too close to call!”
• “We’re projecting…”
• “Electoral map update!”
• “Exit poll says…” First person to shout “Bingo!” gets to make a five-minute acceptance speech. Encourage wild gesticulations and humble brags.

4. The “Gerrymander the Room” Challenge

Divide your living room into weird, nonsensical voting districts using string, masking tape, or furniture. The goal? Create the most bizarre, yet technically legal, layout possible. Extra points for confusing your guests about which side of the room they’re on, then changing the rules halfway through the night. It’s a perfect simulation of real politics, only with more giggles and fewer lawsuits.

5. Electoral College Snack Map

Grab a big map of the United States and turn each state into a tasty treat. For example:

• Texas can be represented by tortilla chips and salsa.
• Wisconsin? Cheese, of course.
• California might be avocado toast (you’re catering to stereotypes now).
• Florida is… something completely unpredictable that may or may not make you sick. (Key lime pie is safer, though.) As results come in, “flip” each state on the map by devouring its snack. Sure, by the time they call the West Coast, you’ll be in a food coma, but that’s democracy in action!

6. Concession Stand

When it becomes clear which candidates are not going to see the inside of the Oval Office, it’s time to head to the “Concession Stand.” Stock it with comfort foods like pizza, nachos, and mini hot dogs for those guests feeling a little down about their candidate’s chances. No victory speech needed here—just cheesy, salty goodness and maybe a tear or two shed into a bowl of queso.

7. Swing-State Scavenger Hunt

Create a scavenger hunt that takes your guests all over your house in search of key “swing states.” Hide clues, trivia questions, or silly hats to represent states like Ohio, Florida, or Pennsylvania. The first person to collect all the states and declare victory gets… well, the power to gloat for the rest of the night.

8. Debate Drinking Game

This one’s simple: Every time a talking head on TV uses a political cliché, drink! Here are a few common triggers:

• “Path to 270”
• “Undecided voters”
• “As goes Ohio, so goes the nation”
• Any mention of hanging chads (retro but timeless) Pro tip: Stick to light drinks for this game, because after the fourth mention of a battleground state, your couch may end up being the only thing left standing.

9. The “Flip-Flop” Fashion Show

Encourage your guests to show up wearing flip-flops, not just on their feet but as a political statement. Have a runway-style competition for the best flip-flop flip-flopper. Guests can come dressed as a politician with a history of changing their stance on key issues, or just wear clothes that somehow mix together two completely different fashion choices. For instance: a business suit on top, pajama pants on the bottom—very Zoom conference chic.

10. The Inaugural Dance-Off

After hours of refreshing election results and counting electoral votes, people will need to shake off their stress. So, crank up the music and hold an impromptu “inaugural ball” dance-off. Extra points if anyone busts out patriotic moves like the “Washington Wiggle” or “The Filibuster Fandango.”

By the end of the night, no matter who wins or loses, your party will have been the true victory. Just remember, no matter how heated things get, keep the debates civil—and the snacks plentiful. And if all else fails, just tell everyone that the real winner is whoever didn’t spill their drink on the couch.

Happy election night, and may your party be more decisive than the results!