Count Every Vote  

As expected, we don’t know who won the presidential election. Yet. 

First the good news: This. Is. Not. A. Crisis. 

Our system was designed for this. We need to get the count right, even if it takes time. While you’re reading this, thousands of seasoned election professionals across the country are working around the clock to carefully count every ballot, just like they’re supposed to. Our ballots are in good hands, and however long it takes, we need to know who the voters have chosen to be the next president. 

Remember: reporting based on in-person voting alone doesn’t capture the voices of all voters, including millions of absentee votes not yet counted.

And there’s more good news. This election broke just about every record in the books. We came together in the face of unprecedented challenges—including a global pandemic—and still managed to ensure that more Americans were able to participate in this election than ever before. 

Now the bad news: Waiting is hard. 

This might be a difficult period for our country. The potential for unrest and instability will be heightened and disinformation could run rampant. There may even be attempts to undermine or overturn the will of the voters, which would violate federal law, the Constitution, and the basic principles of democracy. 

So what can you do to help the country get through this? 

First, stay calm. Emotions are running high right now, so regardless of how we voted, the most important thing we can do is help keep temperatures cool while every vote is counted. 

Second, rely on & amplify election officials. The only people who can tell us who won the presidential election—and thousands of other races across the country—are the many elections officials who have prepared for months for this moment. Look to them for information; trust what they’re saying. 

Third, use your influence to defend the process, reject violence, and urge patience. It sounds simple, but it means everything: “count every vote.” Urge your followers, your friends, your employees, your family, your parishioners, or your viewers to do the same. Stress that the voters have made their choice, and the only way we can know that choice is to count every vote. We count every vote because every vote counts. 


Our updated post-election toolkit includes Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook suggested text and graphics, along with talking points and how to stay involved. It will be updated over time. 

[NOVEMBER 4th TOOLKIT IN ENGLISH]

[NOVEMBER 4th TOOLKIT IN SPANISH]

If you haven't already, you can sign up to receive rapid response social media content and talking points at https://www.electiontaskforce.org/advocates 

Also, you are invited to join us Wednesday, November 4th at 2pm EST / 11am PST, for our briefing with Global Citizen. If you would like to attend, please RSVP here.

✓ Count every vote—“A core principle of American democracy is that we choose our leaders – our leaders do not choose their voters. We must count every vote because every vote counts.”

✓ De-escalation—“Legal disputes and administrative concerns are normal in every election. Let’s ensure cool heads prevail.” 

✓ Trust the officials—”Election officials have been administering elections for years. We have to give them time to count every vote and verify the results. Politicians can say whatever they want to, but only the professionals can tell us who won.”

✓ Defend the process—”Democracy is built on laws and processes that ensure that the candidate chosen by the voters is the one who wins. We must stand up for these processes and give them time to play out fairly.”