We hosted another lively Election Lab Online (ELO) Game Play Event on September 10th 2025. This event was a whirlwind of strategy, history, and friendly rivalry.
First, our facilitators walked everyone through the basics of playing theses games by demonstrating an actual game play. Then, the head-to-head competition began. We played three pivotal U.S. election years: 1860, 2000, and 2012. From the first dice roll, it was clear this was going to be a spirited evening.
First Round: Playing the 1860 Election
The first match brought players into the high-stakes environment of Abraham Lincoln’s era. Players noticed how each state carried different weight than at present times. And how different the overall map of US looks like “I see New Jersey is important again,” one participant quipped. Other players began naming and debating their strategies in real time. Everyone was trying to gain the upper hand over their opponent.
“I got the flow of the game a little too late and now I’m behind!” – one player exclaimed.
Even technical glitches became part of the fun—“Browser crashed…like in a real election—kicked me out!” The round ended with a chorus of laughter. Players shared their experience and were eager to try again.
Second Round: The 2000 Election
Election year 2000 was the famously close Bush vs. Gore U.S. Presidential race. Since this is a 1:1 competition, in each of these historic battles, one player takes on the Republican and the other one the Democratic presidential candidate. 2000 election year is historic to this date. Florida and Pennsylvania were immediately recognized as high-value prizes even in this electoral simulation.
“He started with big states like FL and PA—how am I going to close the gap?”
Competition was fierce. Resource kept shifting from one swing state to another.
In many of the matchups the final score landed close to the historical tally. It mirrored the razor-thin margin of the real 2000 election. Players also dove into a spontaneous history lesson, recalling how the Florida recount and “hanging chads” dominated the headlines at the time.
Third Round: The 2012 Election
By the third game, everyone’s strategic skills were sharper. Players commented on differences in the maps between different years. As they analyzed the historic map of 2012, they immersed themselves into playing US Presidential candidate Romney or Obama (depending on if they were red or blue respectively).
“Snake eyes! This is a good night for Romney,” one player exclaimed, as others scrambled to adjust their positions.
Battleground States like Florida (with > 18 million people and 29 electoral votes), Ohio (19 electoral votes in 2012), and Pennsylvania 921 electoral votes in 2012) once again became focal points for fierce battles. Thus, the deserving name for these states: battleground. Experience in playing these historic elections reflected these states real-world swing-state importance. They are called “Swing” because they can switch back and forth between the two major parties in U.S. presidential votes. As a result, these states are heavily courted by candidates during the U.S. Presidential elections. Abandoning certain states to doubling down on others became a theme. The whole experience sparked discussions about how election campaigns really operate.
After-Game Reflections
After the matches, players continued lively discussion. They shared feedback, new insights and ideas. Interestingly, common themes that emerged were: this is such a fun, strategic, and educational experience!
- “It feels a bit like Risk—but with history-built in which is really cool.”
- “Anyone who does not understand it would get how the Electoral College works just from playing.”
- “It would be cool to have fun facts or trivia pop-ups during the game, too.”
- “Starting with a clear reminder of your strategy would undoubtedly help me think even more about strategy I used.”
Players also noted how ELO helped them think about real choices that campaigns sometimes need to make. Where will they deploy their limited resources? Where will they direct funding the receive? Each move has a consequence. How to predict the move with the biggest impact?
George, one of our veteran and dedicated players, shared a special milestone: “After playing more than 50 ELO games, I finally reached the top of the leaderboard! – he said, smiling. “I once got a pity prize just for showing up all these times,” he laughed. “But now I feel like I’ve actually earned it.” His journey—from “pity prize” to leaderboard leader—captures exactly what keeps players coming back: growth, strategy mastery, and community.
Why These ELO Events Matter?
Today was a busy day for me. Soon, I will embark on the streak of travels and presentations at the international conferences. So, I felt internally divided; part of me loves and appreciates these events. Part of me was so scared that I did not have enough time to add one more thing to my schedule.
But, after we finished, I was thrilled we held yet another ELO event. Every ELO event is different. Yes, there was a chance and unpredictability in some of these simulations of real-world historic elections. There were few heartbreaking losses, too. But on the other hand, everyone used their critical thinking skills to become even better presidential campaign strategist. And at the end of it all the takeaway was clear: Election Lab Online brings history to life. It’s not just about winning or losing—it’s about understanding the stakes, the strategies, and the human stories behind elections.
One participant put it very well:
“Connecting, playing, strategizing, chatting about history—this was so worth it.”
We left the event reminded us why we need to keep hosting these monthly sessions: to engage everyone, players of all ages in understanding our presidential election system. By giving players these opportunities, we make democracy tangible in an interactive, innovative and memorable manner. And, it is good for all ages.
Want to join our next ELO event?
Stay tuned for our October session where we’ll feature more election years, more strategies, and more ways to explore U.S. history and the Electoral College through play.
Dr. Jasminka Vukanovic-Criley MD, FACP, FHM is a multiple award-winning physician, internist, hospitalist, healthcare & education innovator & Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA. She is a career mentor & advisor to numerous undergraduate, graduate & postgraduate students & faculty. As a researcher, Dr. Criley received awards from the National Institutes of Health & the U.S. Department of Education Her work focuses on creating research-driven #edtech games & digital media to improve health, civics, science education & promote healthy habits. Dr Criley is also a sought-after speaker & a founding Board member of Physician’s Weekly. She can be reached on X at @criley_md and at www.linkedin.com/in/jasminka-criley-md