The New York Times Op-Docs section debuted its first-ever video game on Nov. 1. The game, "Voter Suppression Trail," is part of a series on the 2016 election, and it's a cheeky take on the Oregon Trail game popular in the 1980s and 1990s.
"Try your hand at voting in the world's greatest democracy!" the first card reads. "Will you endure hardships like long lines and voter intimidation? Or will you just take a leisurely stroll to your well-staffed polling place?"
Like Oregon Trail, players then get to choose their character: a white programmer in California, a Latina nurse in Texas, or a black salesman in Wisconsin. Game creators say the choice to mimic the popular pioneer game, and myth, was intentional.
"On Nov. 8, a new generation of Americans will make their own heroic journeys — to the polls," they write.
Some paths will be more intrepid than others, particularly for blacks, Latinos and pretty much anyone who brings the kind of diversity to our polling places that they have historically lacked. Thanks to laws passed by Republicans to fight the nonexistent threat of voter fraud, the perils will be great. Long lines and voter ID laws, not to mention pro-Trump election observers, will try to keep these voters from the polls.
With only a few days left before Election Day, there have been numerous signs that voter suppression efforts have already played a role in voter turnout. To play the game, click here.
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