Keeping Track of Election Results

Will you be keeping track of the election results tonight? If so, here are some tips and links.

Huffington Post has a Guide For Watching Election Night Results. Here are some excerpts…

For those obsessed with the results on Tuesday night, here is a November 4 guide to watching television and searching exit poll data on the web.

There are three basic questions (with hundreds more to follow in the weeks ahead): 1) When can you feel confident about the outcome of the presidential contest?; 2) How well are Democrats progressing toward their goal of 60 seats in the Senate?; and 3) Will 2008 be another Democratic blowout, signaling the possibility that the party could establish a majority coalition in future elections?

. . .

The flood of voting results and poll data begins at 8 PM EST. In the presidential race, hotly contested states include Florida, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and New Hampshire. In addition, there are two crucial Senate races: Sen. John Sununu (R) v. Jeanne Shaheen (D) in New Hampshire, and Senator Roger Wicker (R) v. Ronnie Musgrove (D) in Mississippi.

Of the presidential states with 8 pm poll closings, Florida is by far the most important. RCP’s 4-poll average in Florida gives Obama a 4.2 point edge over McCain. If that holds up, Obama would be well on his way to victory.

If, conversely, McCain wins Pennsylvania while holding Florida and other states carried by George W. Bush in 2004, it’s a whole new ball game, and a late night: you will have to wait for returns from Colorado, New Mexico (both 9 PM ET closings) and Nevada (10 PM), to have any real confidence in the outcome.

Important links for keeping track of election results…

Map of Poll Closing Times

Electoral Projections Done Right

Here is the MSNBC Live Results Widget

Also See:

Reducing Election Day Stress and Anxiety

LaurieWrites

Will you be tracking the election results tonight?

Reducing Election Day Stress and Anxiety

Here is my post on Reducing Election Day Stress and Anxiety for BlogHer’s 61 Days To Better Health

By now, if you are like me, your election stress level is through the roof. But, it’s time to let go of your stress. Once you have placed your vote, the outcome is out of your hands (let’s face it, it was never in our hands). So, why worry about something that you will not be able to change? Regardless of the outcome, you will wake-up tomorrow morning, and your life will go on as it always has.

So, I want you to try something. Right now, as you read this brief post, I want you to slowly take a deep breath in, and slowly let it out. OK, that was good, but you know you can do better.

Now, do it again. Take a very slow and deep breath in. And now exhale…slowly. Do you feel a little better now? It’s amazing what getting a little more oxygen into our bodies can do for us, and how quickly it happens.

Let’s take it one step farther. This time, slowly breathe in peace, love, hope, and anything that makes you feel calm. Now, slowly release your breath, exhaling your fears, worries, and stress. If you’re alone, close your eyes while you do this. Take another minute or two, and breathe a few more times, slowly and deeply. Visualizing yourself breathing in the good, and exhaling the negative.

Better, now?

If possible, go do something else that makes you feel more calm and relaxed. Have a cup of herbal tea, take a bubble bath, turn off the television, read a book, take a walk outside, call a friend, hug your kids. If you feel the stress creeping back in, simply let it go.

This is something you can (and should) do often. Each day, try to become more conscious of your breathing. You will probably notice that you are taking very shallow breaths most of the time. To combat that…Make an effort to take some deep, slow, and purposeful breaths each day. You will be doing your body good, and your mind, too.

Plan a 2008 Presidential Election Waiting In Line Party.

Worried You Will Be Waiting In Line To Vote? Plan A 2008 Presidential Election Line Party.

Are you worried about lines at your polling place, and the ultimate outcome of this election? You’re not alone. But worrying, getting angry, and being stressed doesn’t solve anything. There is only one thing you have control over tomorrow…And that’s how you handle yourself. I suggest you – Turn your frown upside down.

Let’s face it, if the line is long, it’s not gonna get any shorter if you’re complaining about it. So instead, why not make the best out of it? Turn your voting experience into an event to remember.

How do you do that?

Well, have you ever had a family picnic, a neighborhood block party, or a tailgating party? You know where I’m going with this. This is your once in a lifetime opportunity to have a 2008 Presidential Election Waiting In Line Party.

Go over to your polling place with friends, neighbors, and family. Bring as many folding chairs and blankets as you can (enough for others in line too). Bring snacks and beverages, playing cards and games, anything to help pass the time.

Even if you don’t have anyone in your polling district to go with, you can still have a party. Pack-up your car with folding chairs and blankets, snacks, water, games, magazines – and start your own party with whoever is lucky enough to be in line with you. It’s a great way to meet new people too.

If you already voted early, you don’t have to miss out on all the fun. Bring a friend, and make a spot in the line with chairs for people as they reach that spot. You can sit and chat with people as they come through the line, hand out water and snacks, and if you’re really feeling excited – bring a grill and serve hot dogs to as many people as you can.

* If you like this idea but can’t afford to feed hundreds of people on your own…Go over to your local supermarket and ask if they will donate stuff for you to handout in the line. They could probably even make you a sign that says something like; “provided by your local ____ store” – They are bound to get some new customers in return for their generosity. It’s a win, win.

These are just a few ideas. Get creative. Be neighborly. Have fun. The line will move much more quickly this way, and it will give you something to talk about for years to come.

[On a smaller scale (but just as important) - Find out if anyone you know needs a ride to the polls, and offer to keep them company in line.]

Also See:

Time To Get Our The Vote

8 Time Passing Tips For Waiting In Line To Vote

A Quick Voter Guide

A Quick Guide To Voting

Step One – Know where you need to go to vote, it may not be where you think.  The easiest and fastest way to find out where you will need to go, is to check out GoVote.org – Voting Made Easy.  They even provide the telephone number of your local election office in case you have any questions.  This is an excellent resource.

*Some states require a voter to provide identification (such as a drivers license).  Here is a map from CNN that shows whether or not you will need to provide identification.

Step Two – Know the issues.  Don’t just listen to campaign commercials, and stump speeches.  There are many sites that can help you understand where the candidates stand on the issues that are important to you.  Here are just a few…

The Vote Gopher allows you to search just about any political issue, and see where the candidates stand.

ExpertVoter.org is a great spot to get video answers to what each candidate’s policies are on the issues.

Here is the VoteMatch Quiz – you can take that matches your views on the issues with a candidate.

Another informative site is America.gov

Each of the candidates have websites that give detailed information on their policies.

Here is Barack Obama on The Issues

Here is John McCain on The Issues

Taxes – The Obama sight also has a tax calculator that tells you how much you will save on your taxes with with both candidates.  You should check it out.  Just enter your income, and it calculates your savings.

CandidAnswers 2008 – Is a guide to where the candidates stand on environmental issues.

Step Three – Know what ballot initiatives you will be asked to vote on in your state.  Here is a the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center you can click the state you are voting in, and get information on the ballot initiatives you will be asked to vote on.

Step Four – Be prepared for long lines.  Not everyone will be waiting in long lines to vote, but many will be.  Your best bet is to be prepared.

- Bring a folding chair (if possible bring one for someone else to).

- Don’t forget an umbrella if there is a chance of rain, and a heavy coat or blanket if you live in the cold states.

- Bring water, hot chocolate, or coffee and some snacks.

- Go in the middle of the day if possible.

Lastly…

Just in case you run into any problems at your polling place, bring your cell phone and this number for Election Protection – 1-866-OUR-VOTE or (1-866-687-8683)

You can also use your phone to call friends and family, and make sure they have voted.