6 Ways to Get Involved and Reduce Election Anxiety

My anxiety has been through the roof. Here we are, days away from the most consequential election in our nation’s history (as far as I am concerned) and this can go either way. I want to watch the news and read social media, so I know what is going on, but I spend most of the time with my hands over my ears or eyes. The anxiety has been killing me, and I am caught with nothing to do to change the dynamics. I am a bystander and completely out of control.

The Stakes are High

I know what is at stake in this election. My health care, my disability, my job, my safety, my faith, my mental health — it is all on the ballot and with a few days out, anything could happen to the trajectory of the campaigns.

Could I Really Make a Difference?

I spoke with my therapist about this feeling and she expressed she was feeling the same way. I asked her how I could change these dynamics since it was compromising my mental health. She suggested I get involved in a campaign or a party volunteer opportunity. This had crossed my mind before. I thought they would want volunteers just for phone banking and I knew I did not want to do that again.

See, my father ran for the city council in our hometown back when I was 16. I worked the phones cold-calling people asking them to vote for my dad. One day, I had a caller on the line; I introduced myself and asked him to vote for my dad and when gave his name to the man on the other end of the line, he said: “I will vote for your guy because there is no way I am going to vote for that ‘n-word’ that is running.” I politely thanked him for his support and reiterated my fathers’ name. I was 16.

So, you understand why I am hesitant.

I also gave the excuse that I could not leave my home because of the coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic. My therapist said there must be stay-at-home opportunities. She stated I would feel better if I would take action to help elect the person I wanted into office. I know I send small donations, but she was right I should do more and that I would feel better.

The Decision to Take Control

I looked up the Democratic Party, researched their volunteer opportunity and found the Voter Protection Hotline. I thought, at least this isn’t cold-calling unknown people but getting people calling in who really want to vote for my candidate.

I signed up to volunteer for the hotline. I had my first training about a month ago. I was about in tears after the training — all the technology we’re going to use was complicated. I did not know if I could do it and answer the calls. I was so nervous to take my first shift. The main rule was to not guess and give someone the wrong information. This could cost them their vote.

Actively Making a Difference

We had a test shift and took that opportunity to hone my skills to take on real callers. I have now worked several shifts and I absolutely love it. The callers are awesome and eager to vote. They have a myriad of questions (first-time nervous voters, new citizens, ex-felons, those who just turned 18) and they are making some basic mistakes with their ballots (the kid threw it away, thinks Republican son-in-law threw it away, picked the wrong candidate, forgot to sign it and so on).

I am making a difference. Voters are being enfranchised because of the work I am doing.

I feel so empowered. I no longer feel out of control. My anxiety has substantially decreased. I have stopped taking my extra sleeping pill. I am no longer dreaming about President Trump.

You can get involved too. Depending on whether you can leave the house or not, there are various opportunities.

Take a look at the following list and take control back of your destiny. This is not exhaustive so search on the internet for other opportunities:

1. Text voters.

You can do this from home, it is no-contact and you do not have to use your own number. You will also be texting those friendly to your cause or the undecided.

2. Offer your skills.

You can also do this from home. Maybe you are a graphic designer, a technical genius, a lawyer or a speechwriter. You are needed. Campaigns cannot afford to hire all the people they need and could use you as a volunteer.

3. Register voters.

This may be hard to do from home, so you may need to get out and do this one, but some states have online registration or same-day registration. Talk to your local campaign about how they are doing this.

4. Write to other voters.

This can be done at home with low- to no-contact. You will be given postcards and stamps to mail to voters in your state or swing states to ask them to vote for various candidates. There is data to show that this has made a big difference in close races.

5. Call voters from your home.

Time will have to pass before we sit in a room together making phone calls, but if you’re willing to take on this important campaign task, contact your candidate’s campaign and see if they’ve arranged for at-home calling.

6. Hotline calls.

This is all done contactless and there is no risk of exposure. You are speaking over the internet with mainly friendly eager potential voters (though sometimes, you get someone trolling the party) who just want to know the best way to access the polls. I like that I do not even have to get dressed. I work in my COVID PJs.

Elections Are Not a Solo Sport

I am making sure everyone in my life is voting (though make sure you know the laws in your state, as some states prohibit you from registering someone to vote, applying for their absentee ballot or returning ballots for others). Post on social media daily with deadlines. Announce early voting locations, registration deadlines, polling places, ballot drop boxes and any other relevant elections information. Encourage others to get involved.

If someone says they do not know who to vote for (believe it or not, some people have still not made up their mind) tell them why you are passionate about your candidate and say if they cannot vote for them, could they please vote for you. Some states have ballot initiatives, and people are scared to vote one way or another on them, but there is a helpful website that goes over all the states’ ballot initiatives and gives you the information you need to make an informed decision. Make sure you and everyone you know has a plan and executes it for the election. We must all get involved.

I am inspired to do all I can to get my candidate elected and to play my role in changing society for the better. Even if you cannot do more than vote, then vote knowing you are participating in one of the most precious rights we have as citizens. We can do this together. Get out there and make a difference.

See you on the other side of November 3.

If you want to know more about Vote4MentalHealth, check here with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Maya Lorde

For more on the upcoming elections, check out this article on practicing self-care during this election season.