Election (1972) Board Game – Board Game Guys

The board game Election was released in 1972 by Drakes, Jarvis, Walsh, and Gluck, Ltd. It is a political-themed game that simulates the process of running for office and winning elections. The game is set in the United Kingdom and focuses on the intricacies of political campaigns and elections.

Game Components of Election

Game Board: A non-linear map of Great Britain

Player Tokens: Representing six different political parties

Vote Cards: Used to influence districts and negatively affect opponents

District Cards: Representing various electoral districts

Candidate Tokens: For placing and moving around the map

Rulebook: Detailing setup and gameplay instructions

How To Setup Election

To set up the game, players first lay out the game board, which features a map of Great Britain divided into various electoral districts. Each player chooses a token representing one of the six political parties and places their candidate tokens on the board according to the starting rules. The vote cards and district cards are shuffled and distributed as per the game’s instructions. Players then prepare for the campaign by understanding the rules and their party’s strengths and weaknesses.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Non-linear Movement: Players move their candidate tokens around the map to win districts.

Vote Cards: Used to gain support in districts and hinder opponents.

District Control: Winning districts to form a majority government.

Campaign Strategy: Players must strategize to win the most districts and form a majority.

Game Objective: The objective is to win enough districts to form a majority government.

Player Experience

Playing **Election** provides a dynamic and strategic experience, allowing players to engage in the complexities of political campaigning. The game requires careful planning and management of resources, as players must balance their efforts to win districts while also disrupting their opponents’ strategies. This game is unique in that it allows players to represent entire political parties, adding a layer of depth to the gameplay.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers complex campaign strategies and resource management.

Educational Value: Teaches about electoral processes and geography.

Engaging Gameplay: Non-linear movement and vote cards add variety to the game.

Family-friendly: Suitable for players of various ages due to its educational and fun nature.

Cons

Complexity: May be too intricate for very young players.

Limited Representation: Does not fully integrate marginalized socio-political groups into the game.

Outdated Mechanics: Some mechanics may seem less sophisticated compared to modern board games.

Personal Thoughts on Election

**Election** is a game that is ideal for those interested in politics, strategy, and geography. It is particularly suitable for families and educational settings, as it provides a fun and engaging way to learn about electoral processes. While it may lack the inclusivity of modern games, it remains a significant milestone in the evolution of election-based board games, offering a unique blend of fun and realism in political gameplay.

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