Nov. 4, 2020
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
Election Day has come and gone. For many of you, this may have been your first opportunity to vote. I hope all of you were able to take part in this fundamental right of our democracy. We should be proud that people in our state and country have voted in record numbers.
I want to address the uncertainty that still remains about the outcome of the presidential election, which will likely continue for a number of days. While we are done casting our votes, the historic pandemic-related changes in how we voted have altered some of our traditions and timing. Typically, media outlets use a variety of data to predict the outcome of the election within hours of polls closing. But these outcomes are only based on predictions and unofficial analysis. It’s important to remember that ballots are always counted for days after the election and certified weeks later. This is nothing new.
Democracy is messy because every American has a voice.
This year we are also worn out by the pandemic, and it's easy to become frustrated by the time it may take to learn who our president and some of our other elected officials are. The uncertainty causes anxiety, and can be fueled by misinformation, but more than ever we must remember that democracy requires patience. We must let the process play out.
Regardless of the outcome—whenever it’s officially announced—the days and weeks after an election can be a time of hope or disappointment.
Please use the resources available at CU Boulder. And continue to stay engaged even when it’s hard; it’s your right and civic responsibility. If we act with conviction and compassion, inclusion and respect for each other, we will get through the coming days together.
We are, after all, Buffs together,
Phil
