Election Lab

Data literacy for civics

Visit Election Lab Online
Dice rolls in Election Lab represent uncertainty in polling. Here the red player has rolled 4, 4, 3, and 2.
Election Lab board game closeup
Play Like a President

Swing States

Take on the role of campaign strategist with only a few weeks before the election for the next U.S. President, and discover the importance of key swing states like Pennsylvania, Ohio or Florida to the campaigns. You will never see a presidential election the same way again.


Elections change through time—each map is different and require different strategies. Play through various election years, learn how elections really work, and be the smartest person in the room on election night.

Electoral College Confusion

What is the Electoral College?  Every four years, searches for “Electoral College” peak on the Wednesday after Election Day. In a close election, the world wonders, will the Electoral Vote agree with the popular vote?


This system has reliably produced a new president, except on four occasions where it threw the country into crisis. Discover what the Electoral College is, and how it affects every election.

Test Your Strategy

While one may debate just why the United States still has an Electoral College to elect its president, the fact remains that campaigns win or lose by their ability to win votes in the states that count. Play Election Lab, see how campaigns look at the electoral map, and use the Electoral College to win.

Every 4 years, the search term "Electoral College" spikes, as Americans look for information on how they elect their president. This search term has a sharp peak every Wednesday, the day after the election.

Testimonials

There are many educational games that are only mediocre activities. This game is one that kids want to play.
Kimberly Fricker, EdDSuperintendent
I want to make sure that every one of my students votes in 2020! I am not retiring until then. That is my mission!
Lynne MurrayCivics & AP Gov't Teacher
This was a wonderful learning lab! I have been raving about it. I will also pass the word to the other principals! Thank you! The program is very relevant and promoting student awareness to gain better civic awareness builds a strong society. Hooray!
Julie TarangoPrincipal
Thank you for an engaging and educational day teaching our students about the electoral process. Clearly the students were enjoying and embracing this unique opportunity to learn about civics in a creative game format! So much excitement and energy in Social Studies!
Edessa Foster8th Grade History Teacher
I look forward to using this program when we discuss the Constitution and Electoral College and for the presidential election. It is an amazingly creative and educational experience!
Kevin K.Social Studies Teacher
Thank you so much! We really appreciated the lab and the students had a great time learning about the Electoral College. That was such a fun way for them to learn about the election and they were all very engaged in the game.
Fifth Grade TeacherCEO
It takes a big, complex event [the presidential election] and makes it accessible to learners at every level.
PrincipalMiddle School
Thank you so much for your presentation! The department loved what you showed us, and is excited to implement it into our curriculum. Thank you both for your hard work and support.
TeacherMiddle School
My son was so animated describing the entire event to his grandmother last night! I was a Political Science major at UCLA, and so I can tell you that the electoral college is a challenging thing to understand. He talked about the importance of going for Florida first because it was worth more points. He understood the whole system. You guys are amazing! Thank you!
Quinn MulkeyPTA President
My son talked about your presentation and game during the entire ride home! He absolutely loved it. What a success! Thanks so much!
Ilya M.Parent
This course is interesting and I learned a lot about the presidential election process. I would recommend it to my friends because it is a great source of information for learning about the strategies that the campaign managers might use in the election.
StudentMiddle School
I liked most the competitive aspect, because playing for some states to win a whole election is nerve wracking but exciting.
StudentMiddle School
I liked the adrenaline rush of playing the game.
StudentHigh School
It was really fun, and I will out smart my dad about the election.
StudentMiddle School
This is a very interactive course with interesting ways of teaching us things we didn’t even imagine and it is VERY fun! … It is an excellent course… I was surprised that you could make something political into a board game and make it more entertaining and fun.
StudentMiddle School
This is a great game! I liked the way the game was set up and how the game was played and how it simulated an actual election. I would play it again and again!
StudentMiddle School
Election Lab is a FUN and COMPETITIVE game! It reflects on real life and makes learning fun!
StudentMiddle School
This game is great and so realistic! I liked that we got to experience the election interactively and visually because people who are under 18 are unfortunately not allowed to vote 🙁
StudentMiddle School
This game is perfect. This game could cure depression! I would play it again!
StudentMiddle School
The prediction part (of who would win) and competitiveness of these games is fun and educational! I want to play it again, but want more time to plan my strategy 🙂
StudentHigh School
I love this Election Lab because I learned what candidates need to do to help America. Very fun and informational!
StudentHigh School
The animations and the pictures are beautiful!
StudentMiddle School
I learned a lot about elections! I liked States switching up. That was fun. I learned that states can flip and that it is IMPORTANT TO VOTE.
StudentHigh School
Swing-state Strategy Game

Three Ways to Play

Election Lab Online

Play on your smartphone, Chromebook, or other digital device. Optimized for classroom play.

Want to host a multiplayer room for classrooms or events? Subscribe to get your own room with up to 30 seats!

Election Lab Online 2024
Election Lab Online

4-Player Board Game

These high-quality board games are printed on demand, and shipped to you from the Game Crafter.

Election Lab board game
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Classroom Sets

These high-quality board games are printed on demand, and shipped to you from the Game Crafter.

Election Lab classroom set
Election Lab classroom set
Attendees of the Orange County CUE try out the Election Lab classroom set
Data-informed learning game

Connecting Opinion Polls to Election Outcomes

The Model

Elections with two major parties, where the winner takes all, follow a well-defined curve.

Polling & Probability

This S-shaped curve can be used to look up the probability of winning, based on the current vote share in the opinion polls.

Dice Probability

Dice match-ups in Election Lab closely model this logistic function.

In this case, rolling 5 dice against your opponent’s 4 dice equals a 0.74 probability of winning.

Election Lab is an interactive game on presidential elections and data literacy funded by the U. S. Department of Education.