4 Ways to Survive Election Day

As Election Day looms, many conservatives are struggling to be excited about this political cycle — in fact, many are dreading it. Still, it’s an important period in our nation’s history. Here’s how to navigate the next 24-48 hours without feeling crazy, depressed, or like you want to stick your head in the sand.

Vote

Given how awful both Trump and Clinton are, I really struggled this year with whether or not I was going to vote at all. But voting is a privilege — something not every citizen of every country shares (especially women). I’ve heard some people say, I don’t know anyone who has died for my right to vote. Perhaps not, but look at it this way: Our military sacrifices time, effort, money — and lives — to protect us from countries who’d like to take our freedoms away. Which right do you think our enemies would like to eradicate first? Voting is in the top five.

Read up on the candidates again — including the independent ones like Evan McMullin. Depending on where you live, figure out if your state is a “swing state,” and if you might deploy a strategy while voting. If you really, really can’t cast a vote due to your conscience — well that’s up to you. Remember: Be vigilant and report any suspicious activity at your polling place to police.

Oh, and if you feel comfortable and safe, bring your kids to vote: Tell them the differences between a democracy and a republic — remember, we live in the latter. If they’re older, explain to them how the Electoral College works. This is an important part of history; they’ll only get to see four times before they do it themselves. Lead the way; pave the path. It’s not a chore; it’s a privilege.

Do your thing

Now that you’ve voted, or perhaps you’re waiting for a lull later in the day, text your local friends and neighbors and tell them where you voted and gently nudge them to do the same. Then, go about your business, doing the thing you were put on this earth to do. Don’t sit around on social media wondering how many folks are voting. Plus, the results won’t be in for hours. The Founding Fathers didn’t lay the foundation for a republic — complete with voting rights — and that whole “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” thing for you to sit around worrying about who is going to be the next president.

I’ve got a great piece of art on one of my walls at home: “Dreams Don’t Work Unless You Do.” Cliche? Yes. Prosaic? Maybe. But, also, right. Whatever your dream is, beyond having a Republican, Democrat, or Independent for president, do a little bit of it today. This country still needs encouraging teachers, intelligent doctors, informed lawyers, proficient plumbers, creative architects, innovative designers, and good parents, (et al) as much as it needs a president who will do a good job too. Do your part in the American dream — especially before either nominees can get their foot in the door and do any more to try to yank it away.

Get with your family — then get informed

The most influential thing on your children won’t be their next president — it will be you. Get with your family, friends, whoever is in your circle of influence. Have a meal; Enjoy a glass of wine. Read aloud or listen to “Duck For President.” It’s adorable and will make them laugh and ease your mind. Tell them you love them — these are the moments children remember.

Now, and only now, check in with your preferred source of news. A few results from the East Coast might be rolling in, but remember, some of the swing spots — the purple areas — are more rural come in later. Plus, you’ve still got our West Coast friends who take a while (it seems). Go ahead, read the statistical analysis, start counting electoral votes, and if it makes you feel better, wonder how we got here all over again. (Not that this will matter much at this point, but it’s certainly a natural reaction.) The states to watch are Nevada, Colorado, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Florida.

Don’t panic

When the results have finally come in and the winner is basically declared, first, panic a little, if you’re the type to do so. If not, just roll your eyes, purse your lips, shrug, or — the worst — glare silently at the red and blue map on TV. Let all the thoughts run through your mind: I can’t believe it! How did we get here? This is absurd! How are we even a world superpower? Will we even be a world superpower come January? I miss Ronald Reagan! I’m moving to New Zealand! Or Canada! What am I going to tell my kids?

Then, collect yourself. You’re an adult after all. Be glad you live in a republic and not a democracy and that you even get to vote at all. Hope and pray that neither president is as awful as we have predicted. Ask yourself if you did everything you could to prevent what you’re seeing on television and if not, what you’ll do differently in 2020. Vow to do that, and more, especially at the local level starting Wednesday.

Then go to bed, with these things in mind, and this nugget from one of the best journalists of our time, the late Robert Novak: “Always love your country–but never trust your government!” (For more from the author of “4 Ways to Survive Election Day” please click HERE)

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