The family that votes together, stays together. And the family (or friend group) that holds an election party has the most fun. Here’s how to do it.

Pick a date. Similar to a Super Bowl party, attendees at an election night party (November 3) can watch the counts tabulate in real time. Granted, with this year’s emphasis on mail-in voting, we might not know the outcome until days later.

Or several. If you’d rather not host the equivalent of a New Year’s Eve party sans ball drop, you could throw an extended “13 Days of Early Voting” party (October 17-30). Serve a special treat or do something fun each day. (Just make sure that one of those days, that fun thing is voting!)

Be exclusive. The Democratic and Republican parties are open to all eligible voters, but for the sake of pandemic safety, limit your guest list to people within your pandemic pod. Or, schedule a virtual watch party with all of your closest friends.

Involve the kids. Introduce children to the democratic process by inviting them to watch you vote, and explain to them how it all works (at an age-appropriate level, of course).

Silence is golden. Sure, a party’s more fun when everyone is rooting for the same team. But remember that your vote is nobody’s business but your own. If you don’t want to share your voting record, it’s OK to stay mum. Similarly, don’t pressure others to share their choices.

Get on theme. We’re not above a rousing game of pin the tail on the donkey (or elephant), but some red or blue cupcakes will do just fine. Look to Fourth of July dessert ideas for inspiration.