In a highly polarized world, election results can have an enormous impact on your life and the lives of those around you. If your candidate wins, it feels amazing; if you lose, it can be depressing. But it’s important to remember that one single election does not shape a nation, and ruminating on social media doesn’t help. The future of our country is built by ongoing efforts, diverse voices and people engaging every day.
In the days and weeks leading up to election day, news outlets track early in-person and mail ballots to inform their projections about how many votes each candidate will receive. They then report these unofficial estimates (often called a “call”) on election night, and continue reporting them until all valid votes have been counted. This process can take days, and sometimes weeks after election day to make sure that all ballots are included in the final results and that they are accurate.
Once all ballots are counted, election officials will certify the final results of each race. This usually happens within a few days of the close of polls on election day, but can be delayed due to challenges or unforeseen issues. During this process, ballots may be re-examined and re-tabulated to ensure the certified results are accurate.
Staying informed and listening to unbiased sources (such as the AP or Reuters) can reduce feelings of uncertainty, especially when those sensational or dramatic headlines might be causing stress. Also, be sure to avoid using TikTok or other partisan social media sites, as research shows that trusting biased information increases feelings of distress and instability.