The most important outcome of an election is not who wins or loses, but that every vote is counted accurately. This includes ballots cast in person at polling places and through mail-in or absentee ballots. Each state has an official process for reviewing and certifying results to ensure all votes are included in the final result. This process can take days (and sometimes weeks) after Election Day to make sure every eligible ballot is accounted for.
The unpredictability of election results can impact people’s perceptions of electoral integrity and satisfaction with democracy. As a consequence, unexpected results can be especially frustrating for voters. For example, the unexpected presidential win for Donald Trump in 2020 prompted some supporters to lash out at the Electoral College and claim that votes were stolen from them (Brenan 2020). Similarly, Al Gore’s loss in 2000 may have contributed to Democratic support for amending the Constitution to guarantee a popularly elected president (Salzer and Kiley 2002).
Whether you are a political junkie who obsesses over election results or just want a little more clarity in the aftermath of Election Day, Brandeis is here to help. Follow the links below to learn more about how to manage your election-related anxiety and prepare for what comes next.
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