As a staff, we are pleased with the improvement in gameplay and activity that has occurred since the introduction of megaregions and the addition of Clay and Mason to the team. We believe that the player base has been significantly strengthened and the quality of play has significantly improved in all phases of the game. We strongly believe, however, that further improvements are possible, and indeed, necessary. Therefore, we are announcing that beginning in May, there will be further changes to USG. We will once again answer any questions or comments you may have in the Help Desk during the interim.

Contraction

Immediately prior to the 2022 elections, North Atlantic States and Dixie shall be merged to create the new gigaregion of "East." The West and Jefferson shall be merged to create the new gigaregion of "West."

Each former megaregion will become a new senate constituency, much as superregions became senate constituencies during the prior contraction. However, in response to feedback we received during the last contraction, there will be no gigaregional conventions.

The law and constitution of the North Atlantic shall be adopted by the East. In the interests of game balance, the law and constitution of Jefferson shall be adopted by the West. The officeholders shall be chosen by a weighted lottery. We will open threads where players interested in each seat can sign up. We will post a list of available seats as soon as possible. Because it is unclear until after the lottery which seats will be up during which cycle, the fundraising deadline will be the same as the

Hayes shall be responsible for the new West, while Clay shall be responsible for the East.

Schedule

May 6 - Congressional session ends/final date to submit entries to elected official lottery
May 7 - Lottery conducted
May 10 - Final FEC cutoff date/fundraising deadline
May 11 - Congress adjourns
May 12 - Primaries (budget, platform, day 1) due
May 13 - Primary results released, platform/budget for general elections due
May 14 - Prepolls
May 15 - Day 1
May 16 - Day 2
May 17 - Halfpolls
May 18 - Day 3
May 19 - Day 4 - DROP DEAD DEADLINE
May 20-21 - Transition/results finalized
May 22 - Game returns to normal

In accordance with the above, the lottery sign-up threads have been created in this subforum. Office seekers should read the rules and then post in the appropriate sign-up thread to enter.

So ... if there's anyone left who hasn't figured it out, the answer is yes. It's all a cruel joke. Happy April Fool's Day.

If you would like to vent your anger at the admin team for this stunt, please file your venomous profanity-laced tirade here.

Thank you.