Political party parties

Romney is red, Obama is blue

Pick a side before Election night

And choose where you view

Those of you who can't stomach the idea of watching the election's results unfold next to someone from the opposite party are in luck: this year there will be both Republican and Democratic viewing parties in the Windy City.

Members of Romney's camp can head to the Wit on Nov. 6. That's where the official Republican Party viewing event will be held--according to Chicago Young Republicans chair Angel Garcia, the event is sponsored by the Illinois Republican Party, Chicago Young Republicans, Chicago Republicans and Dan Rutherford, who is chair of the Romney campaign in Illinois.

The Wit's ballroom will includ televisions, a cash bar and a room for 500 viewers. Garcia said since there doesn't seem to be any Republican viewing parties to compete with, he expects a nearly full house.

The Republican viewing party will kick off with a VIP reception for donors at 6. The actual viewing will begin at 7 and go on until the votes have been counted. 

Garcia sees the value in attending viewing parties with fellow supporters.

"I think after a long season you want to be with people you've been working with," he said.  

Garcia and the Young Republicans have been campaigning through the election season by participating in phone banks and making trips to congressional districts.

"At this point, win or lose we're going to celebrate the work we've done," he said. "I'm excited that young Republicans have done so much."

Democrats who are looking for an Election Night celebration have to do a bit more digging to find their ideal viewing party.

According to Matt Fruth, the Illinois Chapter president of Young Democrats of America, there's no central viewing party for Chicago's Obama supporterss. Chalk it up to the fact that Chicago will be the home of this year's ultimate Democratic gathering: President Obama has chosen McCormick Place in Chicago as his Election Night rally venue.

Fruth said that die-hard Dems will likely be trying to make their way into the official rally (if you can find a way in, more power to you), but smaller, more intimate viewing parties may be held throughout the city. Check YDA.org for information on the Democratic viewing party closest to you.