What Is Election About?
The premise of Election in 309 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the quiet suburbs of Omaha, the corridors of a typical high school become a surprisingly tense arena where ambition collides with routine. The film paints a world where student government feels less like a harmless club activity and more like a micro‑cosm of real politics, complete with whispered alliances, whispered doubts, and an undercurrent of competition that hums beneath every hallway chatter. A dry, observational humor threads through the setting, turning everyday school life into a stage for larger questions about power and self‑perception.
Jim McAllister, a well‑meaning history teacher, finds himself reluctantly drawn into this electoral swirl. His role as overseer of the student council gives him a front‑row seat to the aspirations and anxieties of his pupils, and his own desire to stay above the fray is constantly tested by the fervor bubbling among the students. He embodies the adult perspective—jaded yet caring—trying to keep the process fair while navigating his own insecurities about relevance and influence.
Tracy Flick arrives as the poster child for relentless drive. A junior with a reputation for precision and an unshakeable belief that she is destined for success, she treats the race for class president as a stepping stone toward a future that feels pre‑ordained. Her confidence, sharpened by a demanding home environment, makes her both admirable and intimidating, setting the tone for a rivalry that feels as much about personal validation as about the seat itself.
Around them, classmates like the affable quarterback Paul Metzler and his outspoken sister Tammy add layers of contrast—naïve optimism and rebellious candor that highlight the varied ways teenagers interpret authority and ambition. The movie balances satire with genuine pathos, inviting the audience to watch a seemingly small school election unfold into a witty, insightful commentary on the absurdities of adolescent politics and the lengths people will go to secure a single, coveted vote.
What Happens in Election?
The complete story of Election, from the first scene to the last, in 664 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Jim McAllister, played by Matthew Broderick, is a respected high school history teacher residing in the suburbs of Omaha, Nebraska. He takes a keen interest in various extracurricular activities, prominently overseeing the student government election. Enter Tracy Flick, portrayed by Reese Witherspoon, an ambitious junior whose overwhelming sense of self-importance is hard to ignore. Tracy lives with her estranged and bitterness-imbued mother, who incessantly pressures her to “do whatever it takes” to achieve her dreams.
Earlier in the year, a scandal involving Tracy and Jim’s close friend, Dave Novotny, resulted in Dave’s firing from the school and the crumbling of his marriage. Yet, remarkably, Tracy’s reputation remains unscathed. In light of her ambition, Tracy declares her intention to run for student council president, and for a while, it appears that no one will oppose her bid for leadership due to her perceived qualifications.
When Tracy hands Jim her nominating signatures, she cryptically suggests that they might be “working closely” together, disturbing Jim as he recalls her previous seduction of Dave. Torn between disdain and the fear of falling into a similar trap, Jim decides to encourage Paul Metzler, a charming but naive football player, to throw his hat in the ring. Paul, who is currently injured and unable to play, is apprehensive at first but eventually agrees to run, infuriating Tracy.
Simultaneously, Paul’s younger sister, Tammy, frustrated by her crush’s indifference towards her, decides to run for president as well. She surprises everyone during a school assembly by delivering a blunt speech, asserting that the position of school president is pointless and vowing to attempt to dismantle student government. The unexpected support from her peers, culminating in a standing ovation, leads to her suspension.
As the election grows closer, Tracy’s desperation leads her to a rage-fueled act of sabotage against Paul’s campaign. However, it is Tammy who witnesses the chaos and takes the fall for the incident when she falsely confesses to Jim McAllister. As a result, Tracy dodges accountability and moves forward with her campaign unscathed.
In a twist of fate, Jim experiences personal troubles when Linda Novotny, Dave’s ex-wife, complicates his life further by initiating an unexpected affair with him, leading to a series of humiliating consequences that Chastises and ostracizes him from his community. On election day, Jim presides over the ballot counting, weary from recent events, and distressed to discover that Tracy has won by a single vote. Following a fit of rage fueled by the prospect of Tracy’s victory, he makes the fateful decision to tamper with the election results and declare Paul as the winner.
As the town reels from the upheaval of the election scandal, Jim’s downfall is imminent. The tampered ballots are discovered, leading to his resignation and public disgrace. Divorced and rejected by those he thought would stand by him, he ultimately leaves Nebraska behind to pursue a new chapter in New York City, where he begrudgingly finds work as a tour guide at the American Museum of Natural History.
Meanwhile, Tracy, now student council president, graduates top of her class and secures a full scholarship to Georgetown, only to find herself navigating the treacherous waters of social isolation despite her academic achievements. Paul basks in a carefree senior year, only to be dealt a major heartache when his girlfriend leaves him. As for Tammy, her rebellious spirit blossoms at her new school, and she falls into a love that inspires her quest for freedom.
Fast forward seven years, Jim comes face to face with his past while visiting Washington D.C. He spots Tracy entering a limousine with a congressman, sparking a fit of rage that has him lobbing a soda cup at the vehicle. The film concludes with Jim in New York, leading a school tour, but evading the enthusiastic hand of a little girl who strangely reminds him of the relentless Tracy Flick. The story serves as a poignant reminder of ambitions, consequences, and the loneliness that can accompany unyielding pursuit of success.
Election Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Introduction of Jim McAllister” to “Jim's Confrontation with the Past”. 3 events name a place, across 3 locations.
- 1
Introduction of Jim McAllister
Jim McAllister is introduced as a well-respected history teacher in Omaha, Nebraska. His commitment extends beyond teaching, as he gets involved in the school’s extracurricular activities, especially student government elections.
Where:Omaha, Nebraska
- 2
Tracy Flick's Ambition
Tracy Flick, a determined and ambitious junior, decides to run for student council president. Living with her estranged and bitter mother, Tracy is under constant pressure to succeed and achieve her goals, no matter the cost.
- 3
Scandal Involving Dave Novotny
Earlier in the school year, a scandal involving Tracy and Jim's friend, Dave Novotny, leads to him being fired. This event causes a significant personal fallout for Dave, including the dissolution of his marriage, while Tracy's reputation remains intact.
- 4
Tracy's Nominating Signatures
Tracy hands Jim her nominating signatures for her campaign, hinting at their potential collaboration. This suggestion unnerves Jim, reminding him of Tracy's previous manipulations of his friend Dave.
- 5
Paul Metzler Enters the Race
Jim encourages Paul Metzler, a charming football player, to run for president against Tracy. After some hesitation due to his injury, Paul agrees to enter the race, igniting the conflict with Tracy.
- 6
Tammy's Bold Speech
Paul's younger sister, Tammy, also decides to run for student council president. During a school assembly, she delivers a blunt speech denouncing the student government, which surprises everyone and earns her a standing ovation, resulting in her suspension.
- 7
Tracy's Sabotage
As the election approaches, Tracy becomes increasingly desperate and resorts to sabotaging Paul's campaign. However, it is Tammy who witnesses the sabotage and falsely takes the blame, keeping Tracy's hands clean.
- 8
Jim's Affair with Linda Novotny
Amidst the election turmoil, Jim begins an affair with Linda Novotny, Dave's ex-wife. This unexpected relationship adds more complications to Jim's life, leading him down a path of personal disgrace.
- 9
Election Day Panic
On election day, Jim, overwhelmed by recent events, oversees the ballot counting. He is dismayed to discover that Tracy wins the election by a single vote, pushing him to make a reckless decision.
- 10
Tampering with Election Results
In a fit of rage over Tracy's victory, Jim decides to tamper with the election results, declaring Paul as the winner instead. This drastic action sets off a chain reaction that leads to his downfall.
Show the other 5 events of Election Hide the last 5 events
- 11
The Fallout from the Scandal
The tampering of election results is uncovered, leading to a public scandal. Jim faces resignation and disgrace in his community, culminating in a loss of trust and support from those around him.
- 12
Jim Moves to New York
After his public disgrace, Jim leaves Nebraska for a fresh start in New York City. He reluctantly takes up a job as a tour guide at the American Museum of Natural History and reflects on his tumultuous past.
Where:New York City
- 13
Tracy's Success
Despite the controversies surrounding her, Tracy graduates at the top of her class and secures a full scholarship to Georgetown University. However, she struggles with feelings of social isolation and the costs of her fierce ambition.
- 14
Paul and Tammy's New Paths
Paul enjoys a carefree senior year, but his happiness is cut short when his girlfriend leaves him. Meanwhile, Tammy's rebellious spirit flourishes at her new school as she embarks on a quest for independence.
- 15
Jim's Confrontation with the Past
Seven years later, Jim visits Washington D.C., where he unexpectedly encounters Tracy getting into a limousine with a congressman. Overwhelmed by emotion, he throws a soda cup at the vehicle, symbolizing his unresolved rage.
Where:Washington D.C.
Who Are the Main Characters in Election?
4 characters, among them Jim McAllister, Tracy Flick and Paul Metzler: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 2 of them link to the actor’s page.
-
Jim McAllister
Played by Matthew Broderick
Jim is a well-respected history teacher whose life unravels as he becomes entangled in the ambitious schemes of his students. Initially a figure of authority, his moral compromise during the election reveals his vulnerabilities and deep-seated desperation. His journey emphasizes the complexity of human ambition and the fragility of personal integrity.
- 👨🏫 Teacher
- 😞 Fallibility
-
Tracy Flick
Played by Reese Witherspoon
Tracy is a fiercely ambitious student who embodies determination and self-importance. Her relentless drive to succeed often blinds her to the ethical implications of her actions, showcasing a complex character driven by external pressures and internal desires. The film highlights her path to power, contrasting her success with her social isolation.
- 📈 Ambitious
- 💔 Isolated
- PM
Paul Metzler
Paul is a charming but naïve football player whose lack of ambition is juxtaposed against Tracy's drive. Encouraged to run for president, he becomes a symbol of unintentional involvement in the political machinations of high school. His journey reflects the pressures faced by students even when they prefer a laid-back approach to life.
- 🏈 Athlete
- 🐻 Naive
- TM
Tammy Metzler
Tammy is a rebellious spirit whose candid remarks challenge the status quo of student government. Her journey of self-discovery amid her brother's presidential race showcases her desire for authenticity versus societal expectations. Despite facing repercussions for her honesty, she ultimately embraces her individuality.
- 🌈 Rebellious
- 🎤 Authentic
Where and When Is Election Set?
Election is set in Omaha, Nebraska, New York City and Washington D.C.. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The events unfold in a contemporary setting, aligning with the socio-political climate of the late 1990s. During this time, themes of ambition, competition, and the challenges of youth resonate strongly. The societal pressures faced by the characters reflect the complexities of modern adolescence.
Where
Omaha, Nebraska, New York City, Washington D.C.
The movie primarily takes place in Omaha, Nebraska, known for its vibrant arts scene and historical landmarks. As Jim McAllister navigates the tumultuous high school environment, the narrative also explores his subsequent relocation to New York City, a bustling metropolis filled with opportunities and challenges. The conclusion in Washington D.C. signifies the political aspects of ambition and success.
- 🏙️ City
- 📚 Education
What Are the Themes of Election?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Ambition, Consequences and Isolation.
-
01
Ambition
Ambition drives the characters, particularly Tracy Flick, whose desire for success manifests in ruthless tactics. Jim McAllister's internal struggle highlights the consequences of competing ambitions, revealing how personal aspirations can lead to moral dilemmas. Ultimately, the story examines the often lonely pursuit of goals in a high-stakes environment.
-
02
Consequences
The film explores the repercussions of actions taken in the name of ambition. Jim's decision to tamper with election results leads to his social ostracization and professional downfall. This theme underscores the idea that every choice can have significant and lasting consequences, both personally and publicly.
-
03
Isolation
Despite achieving their goals, characters like Tracy find themselves isolated in their success. The film poignantly portrays the loneliness that can accompany relentless ambition, illustrating that victory can sometimes lead to unexpected social consequences and alienation.
What Kind of Film Is Election?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A darkly comedic and cynically observant film that steadily builds a sense of anxious absurdity as a high school election spirals into a microcosm of moral corruption and destructive ambition.
- sarcastic
- cynical
- anxious
- satirical
- frustrated
- lonely
- political satire
- ambition
- moral corruption
- adolescence
Content notes: marital infidelity, teacher-student relationship (past).
Quiz
How well do you remember Election? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Election
Stream it on fuboTV and Kanopy, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 6
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Kanopy 
Paramount Plus Essential 
Paramount Plus Premium 
Paramount+ Amazon Channel 
Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel 
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