Surviving the Day After Election Day

Today is a big day here in the U.S. Unlike other things with such long run-ups, this hardly feels anti-climactic. I am thrilled to hear that people are turning out in record numbers to vote. That is certainly what living in a democracy is all about. In my opinion, if you don't vote then you can't complain about who is running the country. I always find it interesting, that in countries where the privilege of voting has recently been granted to their citizens, people turn out in droves to cast their ballots. In this country I've heard that more people vote for American Idol than do for President of the United States. I don't know if that's true, but if it is, it's very sad. Having said that, if you haven't voted, get out there. If you still haven't made up your mind about for whom to vote, take a look at OnTheIssues.com, a Web Site that provides non-partisan information for voters.

Now, about tomorrow — obviously, only one candidate can win today's presidential election, which means those who voted for his competitor will be disappointed. I've noted here before that politics is one topic you should avoid discussing at work. That is as true for the day after election day as it was for this very long election season. Your co-workers likely know where you stand, so if your candidate won, don't gloat. And if your candidate lost, don't get angry at those who voted for him. Your workplace will be a much more harmonious. One of my colleagues even suggested wearing purple tomorrow (blue + red = purple). I don't know if I can go that far, but I know I will avoid discussing my feelings about the election results.