The sky is not falling.

This year has been rough. We are stressed and tired and it’s easy to pop off on social media without thinking about the impact we have. But how we talk about the election and the results matters.

The truth is fear doesn’t propel people — it paralyzes them. And that’s the last thing we need before election day.

This isn’t about wearing rose-colored glasses, it’s about using data-driven messages to make sure everyone votes and that their vote gets counted.

If you want people to vote, and to feel confident about the results of the election, you’re in the right place.

What we need to be saying on social media and to our people.

We have confidence in our elections process — even in the midst of the Civil War, both World Wars and the Great Depression, we have always had elections and upheld the results.

Counting votes might take longer this year than it has before.
Counting taking longer is a sign that our system is working. Every vote must be counted, and we are willing to wait.
Donald Trump is a bully, not a dictator or an authoritarian (don’t give him more power than he has.)
Donald Trump is trying to cheat (when you say he rigged the election it decreases voter confidence and makes folks want to stay home.)

If you want to see some data about why these messages are effective, click here, here or here.

A Few Tips

Look to trusted sources for information.

Don’t amplify stuff that seems panicky or is trying to evoke fear in people.
Talk about what we are fighting FOR, not just what we are fighting against.
Try your best to not to be negative online — especially if you have a big platform. It’s harder now than ever, but write that sh*t in your journal or call a friend to vent.
Take some time away from your screens when you can.
Worried that something you’ve written seems too intense or dramatic, and will make people anxious? Let it sit in your drafts folder or ask a friend to read it before you click send.

Sample Tweets

It’s always best if you write in your own voice, but here are some examples of what our united message should sound like. Feel free to use these as a starting point!

Democracy works, and we are willing to wait for it. Voting is our right and everyone should have their vote counted. #CountEveryVote

Take a breath. We’re going to work together to make sure everyone’s vote is counted. #CountEveryVote

Trump thinks he’s a dictator, but he’s really just a bully. SAD!

Remember how long we waited for Game of Thrones? We can wait a few days for a fair election. #CountEveryVote

Even during World War II, even during the Civil War and the Great Depression, we’ve always had dependable elections. Donald Trump can try to cheat, but we won’t let him.