The Politics of Street View
I’m really bad at BallotGuessr.
The object of the game is very simple: you’re shown a Street View image and have to use the visual clues to decide whether the area voted Republican or Democrat - think GeoGuessr for psephology fans.
If BallotGuessr were set in the UK, I’m confident I could correctly guess how a neighbourhood votes 99% of the time. But in the U.S., I really struggle to recognise the kinds of places where Democrats or Republicans typically dominate.
How to play:
- Analyze the Google Street View image
- Guess how the residents voted in the Presidential Election 2024
- Gain points based on the accuracy of your guess
BallotGuessr Tips (a foreigner’s guide to reading the U.S.)
Location clues
- Look at road markings, licence plate styles, and signage to narrow down the country and state
- U.S. highway signs and area codes can be especially helpful
Urban vs rural
- Dense city streets, apartment blocks, and public transport suggest urban areas
- Open land, farms, and long highways point to rural regions
- Suburbs have their own distinct look: detached homes, driveways, and chain stores
The Vehicle Test
- Democratic: Sedans, hybrids (Prius/Tesla), and European brands (Volvo, BMW).
- Republican: Full-sized pickup trucks (Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado) and SUVs with off-road tires or lift kits
I just played today's Daily Challenge and somehow made it into the top 25 on the leaderboard - so maybe my tips actually help.
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