When your candidate loses, civic engagement still matters

Ballots have been counted, campaign signs have come down and newly elected officials are preparing to take office. Voters whose preferred candidate lost might be wondering what they should do next.

While elections determine who is in office, opportunities for citizens to remain civically engaged extend beyond the voting booth.

A body of research exploring the emotional and social impact of elections on voters is growing, specifically research examining how voters react to unfavorable results.

A study published in the Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policies explained that particularly disappointing election results have been linked to a broad range of negative health outcomes, such as increased stress levels, anxiety, cognitive biases, anger and frustration.

Mabelle Pryor, a voter registration specialist in the Office of Civic Engagement, explained that at some points, everyone is going to navigate undesired election results. She explained that the actions you take in reaction to those outcomes are what make a difference.

Even if you have something against the person who wins an election, you are still their constituent, Pryor said.

Lannie Chapman, the Salt Lake County clerk, encouraged citizens to reach out to those who will be taking office.

Keep in touch with your local official, even if it wasn't the one you voted for, Chapman said. It's important that they know what's important to you so that they can represent you.

Community members might not always see eye to eye with elected officials, but Chapman explained the value of becoming involved so officials know what is most important to the community.

There are many ways citizens can get involved and share their voices.

In the Office of Civic Engagement, we define civic engagement as people being involved in their communities, Chapman said.

Community members can focus on national politics by writing letters or calling their senator; They can focus on local politics by going to school board meetings or town halls.

Chapman said a lot of people are hesitant when politics are brought up.

"I think it's important to remember that politics isnt a bad word," Chapman said. "Getting involved in civic engagement or politics can be really good things, and it's important to remember to let your voice be heard in those spaces."

For more guidance on how you can get involved within the community, reach out to local officials, research organizations that are meaningful to you or view the Office of Civic Engagement's website for more guidance.