Can you hear it? That’s the sweet sweet sound of silence on the horizon. We’ve finally arrived at election day, which means by tomorrow the barrage of political ads will be all but a distant memory. Until then, we thought we’d help make election day a little more entertaining with a 2018 Election Drinking Game.

Early voting numbers in several states have already dwarfed 2014, but the main event culminates on Tuesday, November 6 when millions of Americans will decide the fate of Congress, state officials and a host of other positions. After the polls close, there’s nothing one can do but sit back and watch the results. What better way to enjoy the tallying, than with a few drinks…and a game? It’s time for PorchDrinking’s semi-regular election night drinking game. Are you ready?

Watch Parties

Someone shows up to your results watch party without an I Voted Sticker.

Someone in your group asks “Who is even running this year?”

Music

Campaign HQ is playing any of these songs in the background: 1 drink

“We are the Champions” (Queen)

“Beautiful Day” (U2)

“Don’t Stop” (Fleetwood Mac)

“Celebration” (Kool & the Gang)

“We Are Family” (Sister Sledge)

“Born in the USA” (Bruce Springsteen)

Geography

“Trump country” mention: 1 drink

Home state mention: 1 drink

Gerrymandering mention: 1 drink

Any time Putin or Russia is referenced take a shot of vodka

Technology

Technical issues with a reporter in the field, or with the “Magic map”: 1 drink

Introduction of an unnecessary, pointless technology: 1 drink

Politics & Parties

Blue Wave or Red Wave mentioned: Take 1 group drink while everyone in the room performs the wave. (Person on the far left takes a drink, then the person next to him or her, and so on until the person on the far right takes the last drink.)

Any talk about a potential candidate for President in 2020/2024: 1 drink

Take a shot if any outlet references a celebrity without any political experience as a viable candidate in 2020 or 2024

Voting Numbers & Analysis

Any mention of exit polling: 1 drink

Mention of “New voting demographics”: 1 drink

Mention of “Highest turnout since _____”: 1 drink

If you hear someone say “This is the most important election”: Fist pump and 2 drinks

Mention of your current Congressperson/Senator/Governor by name: 1 drink

Explanation of what “Too early to call” / “Too close to call” means: 1 drink

Someone you voted for is announced as a winner: Take your neighbor’s drink and finish it.

If a third party candidate wins a seat: 3 drinks

If a contested fight flips (Like Beto beating Cruz): Finish your drink

If a candidate you voted for loses: pour one out for your fallen candidate.

Media & Live Shots

They show more than 4 pundits sitting at a table together.: 1 Drink (Also, tack on one more drink for every extra pundit sitting at that table.

Anytime a completely random totally unrelated statistic is referenced: Randomly make up the number of drinks to doll out to friends.

Fake News mention: Pretend to take a shot.

Nate Silver or Five-Thirty Eight Mention: 1 drink

Pan to a local dining or drinking establishment: 1 drink

Any shot of confetti or balloon drops: 1 drink

When controversial breaking news occurs during the election results: Take a Shot

If they show the results for an uncontested race: 1 drink

Any (and every) live coverage of a Trump Rally: Shotgun you beer

1 drink – “Breaking news” or “Key race alert” graphic, just to announce that a race is close, not yet called (max 5 drinks for the night)

Investigations, voting legality and indictments

Any mention of Putin or Russia: 1 shot of vodka

Any reference to Paul Manafort: 1 shot of the most embarrassing liquor in your house

If someone mentions voter suppression: 1 drink and shed one tear

Mention of Mueller: 1 shot

Mention of Cohen: Take a drink when no one is looking

1 shot of NyQuil: All races have been called, or it’s 11 p.m., whichever comes first (you have to work in the morning, after all).

The Morning After

1 Bottle of Sports Drink after the night is over. It’s a Tuesday! Gotta be presentable for work tomorrow!

Special thanks to the entire PD staff for contributions to this post. / Cover Photo Courtesy of Hollywood Reporter