If you haven't already, you'll be voting Tuesday. In what is arguably the most historic election to date, millions of people have managed to rally around a candidate, likely Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton, and are now hoping that "their" candidate will win. While for many Americans, neither candidate is easy to root for, millions have already voted, with millions more to vote on Tuesday. You might feel as if you chose between the lesser of two evils, but ultimately, who you cast your vote for is the person you most trust with the fate of our country. Although maybe not wholeheartedly, you are cheering for a candidate.
Especially recently, the polls have become extremely close, and it seems as if either candidate has a chance to clench victory, as no Independent candidate has shown any promise. As we all know, this election will have a winner and a loser. November the eighth is not the end of the road for either candidate nor is it for their supporters. It feels like this Presidential race has dragged on and on, but truly, the consequences of this race will last for decades, even centuries. You might have already envisioned a country where Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump is president, and you might have based your vote on this. If your candidate doesn't win, you may turn the news off as soon as the race is called. But you shouldn't. This election cycle may be the most time you have ever spent watching the news, and you have likely prepared to meet Tuesday night with either satisfying victory or agonizing defeat. But what about Wednesday, Thursday, and all the days to come? What are you going to do when a President has been chosen?
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Not knowing the end result of the election, and as aforementioned, seeing the closeness of the polls, all Americans must prepare for two scenarios, that is, my candidate wins; my candidate loses. I could explain the differences between and republican presidency and a democratic presidency, but history tells more than any article ever could. What's more intriguing is the American people's reaction, as that has been a driving force in this election since its birth. In order to emotionally accept the results and to then, stay involved in the government, all Americans should do the following if their candidate loses:
1. Focus on Congressional Races.
Whether they admit it or not, many Americans vote for a party rather than a person. Few Americans look into policy or personal history when choosing legislators-- most rely on the "Republican" or "Democrat" notation next to the candidate's name. However, despite the rising monarchy of the Executive, Legislative positions still matter. Since it usually doesn't require staying up later, watch the news on election night for congressional results because if your party can control the house or the senate with this election cycle, policies you support could end up shaping the laws of our country.
2. Remain Involved in Politics.
Don't miss another election. Do serious research on candidates running in national, state, and local elections to make sure they line up with your views. Go to rallies for candidates you like, even volunteer in campaigns. You'll feel like you have control of the government, and control over your fate as a citizen.
3. Keep Watching the News.
Undoubtedly, more people will watch the news on election night than any other night of the year. For many Americans, election coverage is as informed as they will be all year. However, watching the news has huge social and emotional benefits. Additionally, when the new President is sworn-in in January, watching the news means that you can see their policies in action, and evaluate their merit for yourself, rather than blindly assume where the country stands.
Now, if your candidate wins:
1. Focus on Congressional Races.
2. Remain Involved in Politics.
3. Keep Watching the News.
Maybe these are just suggestions for being a better American during election season and beyond, whether you're With Her, or want to Make America Great Again.
