Election Day bingo

Election Day is right around the corner, and while some folks are busy analyzing polls, others are stocking up on snacks and coffee for the long haul of watching election coverage. But let's be honest: no matter which way the vote swings, watching news anchors speak for hours can get a bit monotonous. Enter Election Day Bingo—a fun and interactive way to liven up your election experience. Whether you're hosting a watch party or just hanging out with your family, this game can turn the night from stressful to entertaining.

How to play election day bingo

Playing Election Day Bingo is as simple as checking off your ballot. Here’s how you can set it up and start playing:

Step 1: Prepare your bingo cards

Start by creating a set of bingo cards filled with common Election Day events, phrases, or even clichés. Think of the moments that are bound to happen, like "Anchor says, 'Too close to call,'" or "Candidate claims victory early." This way, everyone is on the lookout for those classic election moments that always seem to crop up.

Top Tip: You can create and customize your Election Day Bingo cards using an online tool like Bingo Card Creator, where you can craft unique cards for each player and print them out or play online. It's free and allows you to make unlimited customizations!

Step 2: Set the rules

While bingo is generally straightforward, it’s always good to lay down some ground rules—just like in politics! Decide whether you'll be playing for a straight line, an X, or the entire card. Also, establish what counts as a square; for example, does “Analyst mentions swing states” mean mentioning any one of them, or does it have to be all of them at once?

Step 3: Follow the action

Now, the fun begins! Start watching your chosen Election Day coverage and keep your eyes and ears peeled. Every time a predicted moment occurs, mark that square on your card. Remember to shout "Bingo!" when you complete a row, column, or diagonal.

Step 4: Declare the winner

The first person to complete their designated pattern wins! You could offer small prizes for winners or simply bask in the glory of being the most observant election watcher. It might not get you to the Oval Office, but it's a victory nonetheless.

Alternative ways to play election day bingo

If the traditional route seems a bit too vanilla for your taste, why not spice things up? Here are a few alternative ways to enjoy Election Day Bingo.

1. Drinking game version

For those who prefer a little more excitement (and are of legal drinking age), Election Day Bingo can double as a drinking game. Instead of just marking off a square, take a sip of your favorite beverage every time a bingo square is crossed off. Just make sure to pace yourself—Election Night can be a long one!

2. Interactive online bingo

Want to engage a larger group, perhaps friends and family who are scattered across the country? Try hosting an online version of Election Day Bingo! With Bingo Card Creator, you can even host games with up to 2,000 players online—perfect for large gatherings or community groups.

3. Themed bingo cards

Why stop at one theme when you could create multiple? For example, have a "Media Buzzword Bingo" card that focuses on terms like "landslide," "exit polls," and "undecided voters." Or a "Candidate Gaffes Bingo," where you look for each candidate’s slip-ups, from awkward laughs to overly confident statements. This adds a layer of strategy and keeps everyone on their toes.

4. Prediction bingo

For the more competitive crowd, consider Prediction Bingo. Instead of filling the card with things that are bound to happen, like “polls close,” fill it with predictions that may or may not occur. Think along the lines of "Candidate A flips State X," "Protester appears on-screen," or "Unexpected technical difficulty." The more ambitious your predictions, the more rewarding the game!

Blank bingo templates: Create your own game

A Blank bingo template lets you tailor the Election Day Bingo experience to your crowd's taste. Simply download one of our many pre-made blank bingo templates, fill in each square with your own predictions or common phrases (like "electoral college map" or "unexpected technical glitch"), and print or share them online. Get creative, and make Election Night your own!

Making election night a memorable experience

Election Day Bingo is not just a game—it’s a way to engage more deeply with an event that shapes our collective future. It provides a fun and stress-relieving way to stay tuned in without feeling overwhelmed by the gravity of it all.

Did you know?

You can adapt this idea for other big TV events like sports championships, award shows, or reality TV finales. With a little creativity, almost any televised event can become a bingo-worthy occasion.

So grab your cards, invite your friends (virtually or in person), and get ready for an election night filled with unexpected surprises and a little friendly competition. Just remember to keep it light-hearted—because no matter what happens, there's always another round of bingo to be played.