News Summary
During the Brickworld Lego expo at DeVos Place, a ranked choice voting demonstration captured the interest of attendees. Daniel Biber, a volunteer, utilized Legos to enhance understanding of this innovative voting method, engaging families and achieving viral success on TikTok. The event, which also featured various Lego exhibits, attracted thousands of enthusiasts and highlighted the importance of civic engagement through interactive experiences.
Grand Rapids hosted the Brickworld Lego expo during the annual ArtPrize event at DeVos Place, where a unique demonstration of ranked choice voting gained significant attention. A volunteer named Daniel Biber, who is also a tech-sector professional and active member of the organization Rank MI Vote, showcased this innovative voting method using Legos to engage attendees.
The demonstration was recorded by TikTok creator @sliqjonz and has gone viral, amassing over 756,500 views. Biber utilized the colorful and tactile nature of Legos to create an educational experience aimed at helping participants understand the ranked choice voting system while also allowing them to vote for their favorite Lego mosaic at the expo.
During the event, attendees were able to scan a code to cast votes for their preferred mosaics, employing a system that encourages voters to rank candidates in order of preference rather than simply selecting one. Should no single mosaic receive over 50% of first-choice votes, the entry with the fewest votes is eliminated, and those votes are redistributed to continue until a majority emerges. This aspect of the voting system highlights Biber’s belief that using Legos made the concept both fun and accessible.
Biber’s involvement in the demonstration stemmed from his desire to engage families and young attendees to consider the dynamics of voting in their everyday lives. He suggested the ranked choice voting format while preparing to volunteer with his son, believing it could resonate with a wider audience as many individuals instinctively make ranked choices in their daily routines.
Ranked choice voting is not new in the United States; states like Alaska and Maine have successfully implemented it, with several townships in Michigan also recognizing its benefits. Biber is an advocate for the system, asserting that it could play a significant role in reducing political polarization within the state. This demonstration aligns well with the mission of Rank MI Vote, which is currently circulating petitions for a Michigan constitutional amendment to introduce ranked choice voting by November 2026.
Biber articulated that the opportunity to explain ranked choice voting could be potentially “game-changing” for civic engagement in Michigan, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to educating the public about electoral processes.
The Brickworld expo offered attendees more than just the ranked choice voting demonstration. The event featured numerous exhibits and hands-on building stations, encouraging guest participation and creativity. Among its highlights, the Great Ball Contraption (GBC) has earned international fame for its intricate designs and mechanics. Additionally, VIP attendees were treated to a special experience titled The World of Lights, which showcased illuminated Lego creations in a unique environment.
Spanning September 27-28, 2025, Brickworld attracted thousands of LEGO enthusiasts and families, making it a notable gathering for fans of all ages. The combination of the ranked choice voting demonstration and the vibrant atmosphere of the expo illustrates the potential for innovative educational experiences to spark interest in civic responsibility and engagement among the broader community.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WZZM13: Grand Rapids Brickworld Lego Expo 2025
- Fox17: Lego Brickworld Returns to DeVos Place
- WOODTV: Lego Artist Convention Visits Michigan
- Grand Rapids Magazine: Brickworld Lego Expo Returns
- MLive: Watch as Legos Reawaken 1925 Era Grand Rapids
- Wikipedia: Ranked Choice Voting
- Google Search: Ranked Choice Voting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ranked Choice Voting
- Google News: Brickworld Lego Expo
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
