Post-Election Responses and Continuing Civil Engagement

Individuals will process this election in different ways, no matter what side of the political spectrum you represent. It is important to have a sense of how to synthesize the an exhausting voting experience, presidential debates, and infinite media coverage. Dominican University and Archbishop Alemany Library aim to provide a tool for aiding in reactions that focuses on continuing civil engagement in the democratic process regardless of our outlook on election results. Dominican University of California strives to support its stakeholders; the students, staff, and faculty, that help make this institution a terrific community to be a part of while creating a safe space for these stakeholders to reflect and engage in civil discourse with other members of the campus community.

One of the major factors in this election season's tenuous nature is whether to trust in the election process and overall our democratic right to vote. A combination of reasons have resulted in this distrust in the election process for this specific year but it is important to visualize what is and what is not in our personal grasp. The 2020 election can be approached from a realistic point of view that recognizes it's uniqueness (see next tab) and prepares for possible outcomes with an air of patience. 

Preparation is key; here are some things to consider:

• Acknowledge that there is no election year that quite compares to this one for several important reasons that effect a majority of voters.
• Practice patience with the election results during this Covid-19 pandemic as many are voting through mail in ballots which can be sent up to election day and therefore will take take time to accurately count.  
• Evaluate credible sources of information: This may sound easier than it looks but with social media, numerous news sources, endless polls, and a myriad of election outcome projecting it is essential to practice critical literacy with information we are exposed to. 

The Students Learn Students Vote Coalition has created a helpful website to aid students in taking actionable steps at the individual level to ensure a smooth election process.

Check out the Students Learn Students Vote site!