By Ricardo Lezama 
As the Trump versus Harris presidential showdown looms, a growing number of Americans are voicing concerns about the potential for a charged political climate, sparking widespread anxiety. Even as far back as July, media outlets were observing the trends among voters:
On popular talk shows, many hosts are quipping about Americans changing their vacation plans, waiting until after the election to determine whether to purchase round-trip or one-way tickets, indicating that their sentiment is driving them to consider leaving the country. While for some individuals, this sentiment could be overblown, the reality is that the majority of voters do feel heightened animosity to people with opposite opinions.
Americans are changing their vacation plans due to “election anxiety,” a.k.a. waiting until after so they know whether to buy round-trip or one-way. #FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/oz4j7hJ0yh
— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) October 29, 2024
For some, the tension is too much to bear. Their primary coping mechanism? Sports fandom or retreating into their routines or hobbies.
For anybody making themselves sick with anxiety worrying about the election, might I recommend: sports fandom? Specifically of a team expected to be mid to bad that’s outperforming early season expectations.
— Malice Walker (@humblecore) October 29, 2024
Regardless, the potent mixture of anticipation, fear, and dread of the unknown outcome is palpable. Many ethnic minorities within the United States, but outside of California where Mexicans are the majority ethnic group, feel a heightened state of alert. The outwardly vocal racist and white male centrism of Trump’s campaign has become more obvious as the final days before votes are tallied on November 5th. However, amid the feelings of uncertainty, a thread of resilience is visible as people try to muster a brave face, advocating for their beliefs, and looking to the future.
With fears of polling station violence, social media vitriol, and alleged electioneering, doubt and restlessness are palpable. Growing uncertainty is manifesting in actions too – some are making tough decisions to take breaks from social media platforms completely in a bid to manage and mitigate stress and anxiety.