November 1, 2024

Dear Westminster Students,

November begins with one of the most important civic events in our country: Election Day. Elections are a cornerstone of democracy that should be supported and celebrated regardless of the outcome.

Civic engagement is a core value at Westminster University, and your participation in voting is one of the most direct actions you can take to influence not just the presidential election, but also the direction of your local communities, region, and state of residence. If you haven’t already voted, please be sure that your mail-in ballot is postmarked in a timely manner. Information about ballot deadlines is available, and there are many in-person voting locations in the Salt Lake area.

Regardless of whom you support and the election outcomes you desire, the stakes might feel very high. Our elections are occurring amidst numerous disruptive and tragic events, from disasters caused by extreme weather and international armed conflicts in the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and Europe to threats of violence and instability at home. The stress individuals feel can be amplified by waiting for election results that may take time to finalize as well as the anticipation of myriad public and political reactions.

Westminster does not endorse political candidates, and we do not advance institutional positions on most public policies or crises. We do support care of our students, and open, thoughtful exploration and discussion of current events. Interaction with people who have beliefs other than our own can be challenging. Westminster strives to be a place where constructive conversations can take place, assumptions questioned, and complexity unpacked in a community of learners.

Toward that end, there are specific actions, in addition to voting, that you can take in the coming days and weeks to take care of yourself and others as well as prepare yourself for election results:

  • Take the time to assess the quality of information that you receive. See if you are susceptible to misinformation; use the skills gained throughout your Westminster education such as evaluating sources and searching for validation by cross-checking information. Several useful refreshers regarding information literacy are available online and in libraries.
  • Consider what might not be terrible if your candidate loses, or how you might take care of yourself if faced with loss. If you can find benefit in or have planned for a bad situation before it happens, you are better equipped to cope with that situation if it materializes. Researchers call this “pre-emptive benefit finding”; coping with uncertainty and possible loss is easier if you can identify silver linings before losses happen. Perhaps you will be energized to become more engaged in democratic processes; maybe the election will help you prioritize which issues matter most to you. Think about things that you cherish which will remain regardless of the outcomes.
  • Finally, practice empathy and take opportunities to listen for understanding rather than critique. Be aware that this year’s election cycle has created real, tangible risks for many members of our community. Much political rhetoric has consisted of threats, name-calling, and personal attacks, which tragically can result in violence.  At Westminster, we can do better. Your respect for others should transcend political ideology; the words you use matter.

Several resources and events are available to you on campus, including election day gatherings during community time, an election results party, and a post-election day community wellness check-in. As always, our Counseling Center provides professional services for students experiencing difficulty.

Know that whatever the results of this year’s elections, Westminster is here to help students understand and participate in a vibrant democracy in ways that are grounded in knowledge, affirm their experiences, and align with their values.

Take care,
Beth