Stop Stressing About the Election

Stress truly helps no one — it ages you prematurely and Donald Trump does not deserve one more ounce of human emotion. (If you are my mother, you need to re-read that sentence twice.) On this historic day, that many of us have been waiting four years for, permit me to wax nostalgic and become a smidgen sentimental for a moment. I feel really great today and I think that’s because I know how hard we have all worked to push through to this moment.

I remember what it felt like four years ago, to log back on to Twitter after that horrific election result in 2016, and to face this next phase that seemed like it would take forever. I could feel the collective sorrow and shock through the damn computer, so I made a decision that I would not turn over my grief or any more of my emotions to someone who did not deserve the honor of them, and I was determined to make the loss mean something. We have the opportunity now to restore our country and to turn it back into a place we recognize.

This journey, albeit terrible and gut wrenching, has meant something to me because in the worst times, when the worst people come out, you also get the best times, when the best people rise up to meet the moment. I have met and experienced these last four years with so many wonderful, hard-working and devoted people. Being a part of this team of resisters has made the unbearable not only bearable, but inspirational.

No matter what happens today, or later this week, or whenever all of the votes are counted, I feel good about the work we’ve done in the last four years and that’s the most important point. The only way to live with no regrets is to do everything you can in the moment, and I feel proud of all of the work that has been done. On another note, I also feel good about the impending result of this election. My gut is rarely wrong, and I am sensing some seriously good vibes — I’m not saying this is a done deal, but I wanted to let you know I feel good about it, and remind you that stress helps no one. Also, never underestimate America or count us out.

I’m not trying to build up any false hope, but I wanted let you know that it’s okay to feel good today, and to celebrate because you have earned it. You don’t need to match the seriousness of the situation with your worry and stress all the time — take time off from that and be proud of the fact that we have gotten through something nobody thought would ever be tolerable. I have learned we are all really powerful together, and that gives me hope for what comes next, regardless of this outcome.

Now, let’s get down to business and make sure we have every last detail covered before anyone pops a cork or shakes a martini. I am going to add all of the critical information with contact links that voters could need today to this post below. If you are on social media, be sure to keep putting this info out there, so that people know where to go to get answers. Positivity, excitement, passion and hope — these things will drive Democratic voters to the polls today, so let’s keep the momentum going in a cycle, and do not let up until the last vote is counted.

For information on your voter registration status, or where you go to vote, click here.

To find out what ID you will need to take with you to the polls to vote, click here.

To report any problems while voting or at the polls call: 1-866-OUR VOTE.

Lyft will take anyone to the polls for under $10-to arrange for your ride, click here.

Remember to take water and a snack with you to vote.

You can have pizza delivered for free to voters-if you see a long line, click here.

Here is a list of every state phone number for any voter questions you have:

These last four years are dedicated to my mother, every daughter everywhere and to Hillary Rodham Clinton. It’s been a pleasure to fight and to continue to fight with all of you.

xoxo,

Amee

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Amee Vanderpool writes the SHERO Newsletter and is an attorney, published author, contributor to newspapers and magazines and analyst for BBC radio. She can be reached at avanderpool@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @girlsreallyrule.

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