Some thoughts on coping with pre-election jitters – Beth Posner-Waldron

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get out the vote poster

Since last week’s Presidential debate and recent rulings by the Supreme Court, understandably many folks have had a variety of emotions.  Are you feeling anxious, discouraged, angry, hopeless, frustrated?  Are you feeling more motivated, incentivized, and spurred to take action?  I offer up some thoughts, coping techniques, and suggestions for moving forward.

  • Don’t agonize, organize!  The Get Out the Vote Team has been involved with a number of non-partisan organizations and taking action to mobilize voters can be transformative.
    • Here is a list of organizations that you can take action with and put your values to work in a positive way.
    • Making phone calls or writing letters can be an antidote to the angst you may be feeling.
  • Remember that when we vote in November, we’re not just electing a President, we’re electing an administration that will also have an impact on what happens at the White House.
  • Don’t just focus on the top of the ballot.  The candidates we elect for the statehouse and Federal seats can have a big impact on our day-to-day lives as well as the state of our Democracy.  Local and state elections are often won by a small number of votes, so every vote can make a difference.
  • Remember that we’re in this for the long haul, including when we’re motivating and empowering Black voters to go to the polls.
    • Regardless of the outcome of the election, helping people navigate through voter suppression builds resilience and helps make more voices heard by the candidates.  That helps build power!
  • Attend a discussion that Center for Common Ground will be hosting with Andrea Miller and others sharing their feedback and motivating us to keep up the good fight.  Thursday, July 11th at 8:00 pm ET.  Go here to register for “Protecting Our Democracy in Challenging Times”.
  • Take your mind off the election and whatever else is causing you stress.  Do something fun, energizing and/or relaxing that nourishes you.  Get rest and eat well.
    • Go for a walk in nature, do some gardening at home or with the GardenOn Team, help someone in need, get some exercise, read a good book, watch a light-hearted movie or TV show, listen to a podcast or radio show, tackle a project you’ve been procrastinating about, reinstate a hobby you’ve enjoyed in the past.  Take a break from the news and social media.
    • Practice mindfulness meditation, with a group, alone, or with an app (Calm, Headspace).
    • Plan a day trip or a vacation, even something a long way off that helps you see beyond the November horizon, OR call a friend and do something spontaneous.
  • Be prepared to vote in the 2024 elections
    • Did you run into any difficulties voting in the March Primary?  Make sure your registration is up to date for upcoming elections.
    • www.voteinma.com is the link to the Elections and Voting website for Massachusetts—this has lots of resources, including for updating registrations.

Remember, you are not alone in your rollercoaster of emotions.  I welcome your thoughts and am grateful to this community for the support that I feel during these days that are challenging us in ways never expected or experienced before.

In faith and solidarity, Beth Posner-Waldron, Coordinator of UUCW’s Get Out the Vote Team