Are you ready for the 2020 election?

Election Day 2020 is almost here. Pacific campuses are engaged and ready. For all the latest information, please see pacificu.edu/vote2020. The site is packed with information, including:

• Pre-election resources, videos, and information about casting a ballot
• Election Day viewing party plans
• Post-election office/classroom resources for faculty and staff
• Post-election programs and activities

During this time when many people are experiencing anxiety related to the election (among other things), the Tom McCall Center for Civic Engagement offers the following ten tips for staying sane during the election:

1. Encourage patience and trust in our democracy. Though this election process may be different, our system is resilient and strong, and we have successfully held elections during many challenging periods in our history.
2. Remember that whatever the outcome, there will be students (and co-workers) unhappy with the results.
3. Celebrate strong voter turnout, and the people who made it possible.
4. Affirm that steps are being taken to verify and count people’s votes, even if this requires more time than usual due to the pandemic.
5. Encourage civil discourse and peaceful engagement.
6. Elevate credible sources of information. Look to your local elections officials for information and updates on election results.
7. Consider a social media fast in the days surrounding the election.
8. Plan for uncertainty.
9. Carefully respond to contested results.
10. Please emphasize with students that their participation in any civil disobedience activities should still take into consideration public health precautions related to COVID-19 (e.g. distancing, face coverings, etc.).

Happy Voting!