Battleground precincts

In the US presidential election, one often finds references to "battleground states": states with a fair chunk of electoral votes that are too close to call and could swing either Republican or Democrat. Likewise, in Patria there are a number of "battleground precincts".

Fredonia (9 seats): With only nine seats up for grabs, Patria's smallest precinct has the highest threshold percentage of votes required in order for parties to obtain seats in Congress. But it can often serve as a bellwether for the rest of Patria. Like the little town of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, the little precinct of Fredonia is always the first to report its election returns.

Arboria (21 seats): Amma's adopted home precinct in Patria is not necessarily a slam-dunk for the Amrita Party.

Centralia (25 seats): SRM's "take back the economy" message will play well in the heart of Patria's de-industralized rust belt, amid the shuttered factories and offshored jobs.

Nova Columbia (36 seats): Like Centralia, also hit hard by the recession. A good stomping ground for both the National Union and SRM, with many unemployed voters going for the liberal Social Democrats.

Pottsylvania (13 seats): A maverick tradition of local fringe or nutbar parties that are virtually unknown in the rest of Patria winning a seat or two. Popular Front of Pottsylvania, anyone?

Caesarea (61 seats), Federal District of Castoropolis (38 seats): With a total of 99 seats between them, the capital and its surrounding precinct represent the biggest block of seats - almost one third of Patria's 333-seat Congress. Like New York state and California, Caesarea and FDC are the two biggest prizes for any party.