Posted on: Monday, November 1, 2004

Turn your place into Election Central

By Stacy Downs
Knight Ridder News Service

Even if you and your friends disagree on politics, you can agree to have fun watching the voting results on TV.

Here are Four Points of Light on how to turn your home into Election Night party headquarters:

TAKE A VOTE

Pass out "ballots" to guests as they arrive, which should be sometime after the polls close at 7 p.m. tomorrow. Ask guests to select which candidates they think will win, not who already got their vote.

These unofficial ballots can include only the presidential race, or they can be more complex and list other national, state, county and local contests. Go to the Web site of your county election office for a complete lineup.

Guests should write their names on the ballots and fill them out in pen or pencil—no computer errors or pregnant chads to turn this party into a 2000 throwback. But the ballots will need "a lock box." (Say it in your best imitation of Al Gore, a la "Saturday Night Live.")

A cashbox or carrying case with a padlock can keep the results safe until the results are counted. Let's hope they're in before December this time, or it will make for a long night.

The winner at the end of the races gets a prize, such as George W. Bush coasters.

SERVE THEMED FOOD

The menu should be easy if you draw inspiration from the home turfs of President Bush and Sen. John Kerry: Texas barbecue ribs paired with Boston baked beans, Texas chili and New England clam chowder, Texas sheet cake and Boston cream pie.

Kansas state Rep. Stephanie Sharp, a Republican, says she's seen other fun food at political parties, such as a relish plate made to look like a flag with blueberries, cherry tomatoes and cauliflower. Offer beer brewed in both states: Shiner from Texas and Samuel Adams from Massachusetts. You also can wow guests with a Ward 8, a cocktail based on a Massachusetts election in 1898 (see below).

DECORATE

This occasion calls for balloons, because any self-respecting politician loves a good balloon drop. To take the theme even further, head to a teachers supply store for cardboard portraits of the candidates like those you'd find on an elementary school bulletin board. To be more interactive, hang a big U.S. map on the wall. Color in each state as the victor is announced.

DITCH THE COVERAGE

Take 20- or 30-minute breaks and watch humorous videos that revolve around POTUS — all you "West Wingers" know that acronym stands for the president of the United States.

When you switch back to watching results, play a drinking game where you take a sip each time you hear tired election catchphrases such as "dead heat."

POLITICS FLICKS

"The American President" (1995).

"Dave " (1993).

"Head of State" (2003).

"Saturday Night Live: Presidential Bash 2000" (2001).

"State of the Union" (1948).

"The West Wing: Season One" (1999).

A TOAST TO VICTORY

This drink is named for the supporters of Boston politician Martin Lomasney, who demanded a bartender create a drink in honor of his victory—the day before the election. (He did indeed win.)

WARD EIGHT

2 ounces blended whiskey

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1 teaspoon grenadine

1 teaspoon powdered sugar

1 orange slice

1 maraschino cherry

Shake whiskey, lemon juice, grenadine and powdered sugar with ice and strain into a wineglass filled with ice. Add orange slice, top with cherry and serve with a straw. Makes 1 serving.

Per serving: 126 calories, no fat or cholesterol, 9 grams carbohydrates, trace protein, 4 milligrams sodium, trace dietary fiber.

From: www.webtender.com