4 (Okay, 6) Things to Keep Your Sanity During Election Season
#5 will SHOCK you
Alright, folks, Election Day is creeping closer like a horror movie villain. Whether you’re excited, anxious, or just trying not to scream into the void, we’re here for you. To save your sanity (and ours), here’s a foolproof guide to getting through these last few days time without losing your cool. No need to political doom scroll—here’s what you can actually do to stay sane and save democracy, one baby step at a time:
1. Knock (on doors, not on wood)
Look, we’re not saying you’ll get the same rush as handing out candy to adorable trick-or-treaters but knocking on doors is democracy’s version of trick-or-treating: you’re out in the neighborhood, you’re meeting strangers, and there’s always the hope someone will answer with enthusiasm (and candy). Plus, you get steps in, fresh air, and the moral high ground when you say, "I did everything I could." Sure beats scrolling Twitter while muttering “please, God, please” under your breath.
Pro tip: Wear comfy shoes. Trust us, no one has ever persuaded a voter while hobbling on a blister.
2. Make Calls (and not just to your mom)
I know you probably hate making calls as much as me, but phone banking is easy, you can do it from home, and it’s really helpful. Plus, at this point, you’re almost only talking to Democrats and reminding them to vote. Sure, some of them are going to be annoyed that they’re getting calls, but you get to give them the good news that as soon as they return their ballot, they get taken off the list and won’t get more calls. And, studies show that when you get someone to walk through their plan to vote, they’re much more likely to actually vote!
Pro tip: Have snacks within reach. Nothing keeps the pep in your step like a bowl of popcorn or a tiny reward for each time you get someone to plan to vote. You earned it.
3. Give Us Money (but, like, not at the last minute)
We get it—everyone’s asking for your money right now. Your inbox probably looks like a battlefield of “urgent” requests and your texts are full of candidates acting like a needy ex. But here’s the thing: while every dollar helps, late money is like showing up to a party after the confetti’s already been swept up. What we’re doing here at Elevate PAC is different. We’re not just trying to get one candidate over the finish line—we’re building something lasting. We’re in it for the long haul, focused on the long term in Utah. That means while everyone else is focused on 2024, we’re looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, and we need the resources to plan for it.
Pro tip: Think of it like planting a tree. Sure, the shade won’t appear tomorrow, but in a few years, we’ll all be lounging comfortably, thanks to the groundwork we laid now. Your money today helps us keep watering that tree until it’s big enough to shelter everyone.
4. Attend the Watch Party (but don’t expect to know everything)
Election Night parties are like our Super Bowl—but if the Super Bowl had no final whistle and the score kept changing well into the next day. We won’t lie: you may not (probably won’t) know all the results by bedtime, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the snacks, the camaraderie, and the momentary distraction of pretending like we’ll have answers by midnight.
Seriously, I can’t emphasize the camaraderie part enough though. We’re all stressed, frazzled, tense, anxious, worried, and a bunch of other words for the same thing. Get out of the house (and your own head) and spend some time with like-minded folks. There are a bunch of watch parties across the state, and we’re having one ourselves with Brian King, Equality Utah, and a ton of other great candidates and organizations!
Pro tip: Sign up for Elevate PAC’s watch party at the Hotel Monaco
And because we’re generous, here are two bonus tips to help you out when the stress level gets a little too high:
5. Take a Social Media Break (seriously, unplug)
We love the internet as much as the next person, but let’s be honest: it’s a dumpster fire during election season. Every update, every poll, every hot take just adds to the anxiety. Do yourself a favor and step away. Unplug, take a walk, bake something unnecessarily complicated—anything that keeps you from doomscrolling your sanity away.
Pro tip: Get off the poll-ercoaster. It’s a tight race and that’s all you need to know. If one poll says Kamala’s up 51/49 and another says she’s down 49/51, then they mean the exact same thing.
6. Post-Election Depression is Real (Here’s How to Cope)
Let’s talk about something nobody warns you about: post-election depression. You’ve poured your heart and soul into a campaign—knocked doors, made calls, refreshed your news feed until your eyes crossed—and then… it’s over. Suddenly, the adrenaline is gone, and you’re left feeling a little empty, like “What do I do with my hands now?” It’s totally normal. But instead of spiraling into election burnout, let’s use that energy productively.
Solution? Turn that energy into action: This isn’t just about one election; it’s about creating lasting change. Stay engaged by connecting with local organizations, advocating for the issues you care about, or helping to shape policy. The adrenaline may fade, but your passion doesn’t have to. The path forward is about sustaining momentum and building power—not just on Election Day, but every day.
Pro tip: Keep your campaign contacts; they can be valuable allies for future activism and community work.
So there you have it—our slightly expanded guide to keeping your sanity (and maybe even having a little fun) while we gear up for Election Day. Whether you’re knocking doors, making calls, giving us your hard-earned cash, or just showing up for the snacks at the watch party, remember: we’re all in this together. And if all else fails, there’s always ice cream.
While you’re at it, consider giving to some great candidates here.
Elevate PAC is working to eliminate single-party control at all levels of our state’s government by elevating inspirational leaders, activating the new Utah majority, and centering our shared values and common purpose.
Our blueprint is to recruit and train candidates, invest early, support strategically, and build relationships.
Paid for by Elevate PAC