Does it ever feel like voting for a candidate is like the awkward dating process? Are you tired of swiping right on politicians and not getting what you expect?
This November, New Jerseyans are jumping back into the dating game and giving a new governor their final rose. In the spirit of gubernatorial romance, WFMU, Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting and the Center for Cooperative Media are teaming up to bring you “Electorama: Jersey’s Election Game Show” on Oct. 21.
Hosted and conceptualized by comedian Jo Firestone, a writer on the The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Electorama is an election-themed event loosely based on classic dating shows.
Yes, that’s right; a dating show about New Jersey’s upcoming gubernatorial election.
“You know that old expression, ‘people vote with their genitals?’ It’s not a real expression, but what if it was?” said Firestone. “In reality, this just seemed like a good way for the audience to get to know candidates in a fun and engaging way.”
An election-themed game show may be a tongue-in-cheek approach to election coverage, but it highlights a defining aspect of the upcoming election: the relationship between the gubernatorial candidates and New Jersey voters needs some work.
Although New Jerseyans will elect a new governor on November 7th, almost 40% of likely voters report not knowing much about the candidates. And with Governor Chris Christie’s approval rating hit an all time low of 15% this summer, many people in New Jersey say they are disillusioned with politics.
Electorama will address these tensions head on while also informing New Jerseyans about the candidates through the power of humor. Building from WFMU and Reveal’s 2016 Toxic Comedy World Tour, a stand-up comedy show based on Dirty Little Secrets’ reporting on toxic contamination in New Jersey, Electorama will continue to explore strong connection between laughter and learning.
The live show is a one-night-only event on October 21 at WFMU’s Monty Hall in Jersey City. Jo Firestone, Dave Hill, Bernie Wagenblast (a.k.a. the voice of New York’s MTA), and others will help attendees find their ideal gubernatorial match.
Tickets for Electorama are currently on sale and can be purchased here. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.
Not in Jersey City? WFMU will also livestream the show online and on Facebook. If you’re in the Trenton area, you can also join WHYY and Trenton Social for a special viewing party, featuring a local comedian, trivia, prizes, free drinks and a chance to chat with WHYY reporters.
If you have any questions about the show, email Cristina Kim, Reveal’s engagement manager, at [email protected].
Electorama is a project of Voting Block, a collaborative reporting consortium committed to covering New Jersey’s gubernatorial election from the perspective of the neighborhood block.