This paper reports the results of a content analysisof election–related headlines in Canada's twoEnglish–language national newspapers, The Globe and Mail and TheNational Post, over the course of the 36–day 2000 federal electioncampaign. We found that the two national newspapers' headlinesrevealed differences in issue emphasis, leader portrayals and partyassessment. Yet both newspapers embraced a game frame for electioncoverage–by focusing on the horse–race, leader personalitiesand campaign strategies–to the neglect of campaign issues andideological distinctions between parties. These findings suggest thatmedia game framing can result in troublesome consequences forconstructive citizen engagement in election activities.