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Election Simulation Rules & Mechanics

A highly automated, data-driven campaign sim where strategy, spending, and voter behavior shape outcomes. Most results are formula-based with limited randomness. Each election cycle lasts two weeks.

1) Overview

  • Campaigns are driven by strategy, resource allocation, and voter behavior.
  • Outcomes rely on formulas, constituency data, and controlled randomness.
  • Strategic decision-making matters more than manual moderation.

2) Entering the Simulation

Filing Your Candidacy

  1. Pay the filing fee.
  2. Receive access to the Candidate Filing Google Form.
  3. Submit:
    • A candidate name.
    • No identical names to real-world public figures.
    • An office: Governor, Senate, or House.
  4. Your campaign is automatically created.

3) Questionnaire & Starting Metrics

Ideology & Alignment

  • Defines your ideological positioning.
  • Measures compatibility with your district or state.

Alignment affects how efficiently you gain support.

Core Metrics

VisibilityHow well-known you are
EnthusiasmSupporter motivation
FavorabilityOverall public appeal

These metrics directly influence fundraising and effectiveness.

Candidate Prototypes

Self-Funder

Strong early funding, weaker enthusiasm.

Grassroots Organizer

High enthusiasm, slower favorability growth.

Local Celebrity

Strong recognition, lighter infrastructure.

Establishment Insider

Balanced but moderate boosts.

4) Fundraising

  • Fully automated on a regular cadence.
  • Determined by visibility, enthusiasm, and favorability.
  • Funds accumulate and are available for spending.
  • No manual solicitation required.

5) Campaign Spending

Allocate funds using the Candidate Spending Form. Each submission is a strategic decision.

Spending Categories

Broadcast Advertising Digital Advertising Direct Mail Canvassing Phone Banking Rallies Town Halls Opposition Research Merchandise Data & Polling

6) Issue Areas

When a spending action requires an issue focus, choose from the following:

Economy / Jobs Crime / Public Safety Immigration Foreign Policy Health Care Education Criminal Justice Taxes / Government Spending Environment / Energy Infrastructure / Technology Social Values / National Identity Democracy / Election Integrity Labor Rights / Unions Corporate Power / Consumer Protection

7) Constituency Issue Weights

  • Each district prioritizes certain issues.
  • Targeting high-priority issues increases effectiveness.
  • Ignoring major concerns reduces performance.

Strategy matters: Broad coverage and correct targeting outperform narrow focus.

8) Randomization

  • Each action includes a controlled effectiveness modifier.
  • Variation adds realism without overpowering strategy.

9) Vote Share & Results

NPC Vote

  • Metrics
  • Spending totals
  • Issue alignment
  • District weights

Player Vote

  • Public poll participation
  • Aggregated into vote share

Final Outcome

  • Weighted NPC + player vote
  • District partisan lean
  • Margin-of-error variation

10) Tracking

  • Dashboard updates automatically.
  • State and district pages show progress.

11) Community Forum

  • Optional participation.
  • No impact on NPC vote share.
  • Influences player perception.

12) Conduct & Expectations

  • Follow site and community rules.
  • Maintain respectful roleplay.
  • Accept outcomes unless a technical error occurs.

Designed for fairness, transparency, and strategic depth.