The presidential election cycles, at least in my lifetime, often come with an overhaul of emotions which feels like a sense of grieving. The 2024 election in particular, magnified by the fact that we are university in the strong swing state Pennsylvania, is full of charged and tense feelings.

While it is upsetting that a lack of respect is normalized in friendships or relationships, such as “canceling out a person’s vote,” people should take care of themselves after an all-consuming and scary election cycle. After weeks of being inundated with endless campaign information and propaganda, we all need to remember to take a breath.

Individuals should act with responsibility moving forward, and accept the results of the election. This does not mean that people cannot be angry, upset, or any array of emotions– but people’s actions should not be a repeat of January 6. It is incredibly arrogant and shameful that a certain population of conservative people are so enamored with the power they feel that they threaten the lives of others.

I have said this before, but I do need to say this again. If you are a marginalized or oppressed person, there is a real and valid sense of fear for this election. Any amount of planning to move out of or stay in the United States depending on the election results should be honored.

We are in a circumstance where the Weather Service, Department of Education, abortion rights, and healthcare access are under threat. No candidates are perfect and they should not be placed on a pedestal, but there is a clear line between human rights and politics during this election.

Your vote does make a difference. With margins as close to percentage points in certain areas and states, every person getting out to vote or sending in their mail-in ballot does matter.

Depending on whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump wins, that will dictate much of the policy which shifts going into the new year. We should allow ourselves a reprieve from stressing about the future of our colleagues, friends, and family members even if for five minutes throughout the day.

We all need to protect ourselves emotionally to not be further consumed by the news and social media. The concepts which people often speak about are about real people. People on either side need to relearn the idea that you need to take what you say to people and say it back to yourself to let the reality of your language sink into your own humanity. Anyone volunteering, whether through organizations on the street or as poll workers, need to be guaranteed safety.

Thank you to the poll workers who are putting themselves at risk to volunteer their time to guarantee a safe time for all voters at the polls. We have a secure election because of you. As a reminder, Pioneers, we all need to coexist. Tell the people in your life you love them.