On Thursday night, a dozen residents of Lane County met in a west Eugene church to discuss the growing anxiety surrounding the November 3 midterm election. The gathering, organized by the nonprofit Braver Angels, offered a space for participants to voice worries, listen to one another, and learn practical ways to manage stress.
Local concerns and personal strategies
Attendees listed common election fears – from uncertainty about which candidates will win to doubts about the fairness of ballot measures. One man explained his personal approach: “My strategy for how to discuss politics with family members has been not to do it. I’m open to another approach.”
Facilitator Barry Nobel noted that many participants also feared whether the election would be free and fair, describing the current level of anxiety as “more intense than it has been in the past.” He linked this heightened worry to a broader decline in trust toward institutions.
Why emotions matter in campaigns
Political science assistant professor Chandler James of the University of Oregon explained that campaigns deliberately evoke strong emotions to mobilize voters. He cited the historic 1964 “Daisy” ad as an example of how fear can drive turnout. Today, James said, “you have lots of different mediums – social media, TV, internet advertisements – to get that message to people quickly.”
James also highlighted that despite high anxiety, historical data shows roughly a third of eligible voters typically skip midterm elections.
Mindfulness as a tool
Lisa Dayton, another Braver Angels facilitator, defined anxiety as “apprehension about things that might happen,” emphasizing its impact on mental, emotional, and physical health. She recommended mindfulness techniques – paying attention to bodily reactions, setting intentions before conversations, and approaching discussions with compassion and curiosity.
Michelle Fenesy, a clinical assistant professor of psychology, agreed that such practices can help voters stay grounded amid the relentless flow of news and campaign messages.
Community voices
Local resident Jerry Ritter, who lives outside Springfield, praised the inclusive atmosphere of the meeting, noting that participants from both liberal and conservative backgrounds were able to converse respectfully. He warned that many voters base decisions on name recognition or party affiliation rather than informed understanding, and expressed concern over voting driven solely by opposition to former President Trump.
Jenny Root, an Eugene resident who follows politics obsessively, described the current midterm as “off the charts” and lamented the erosion of trust caused by misinformation and accusations of fraud. She admitted that while she tries to step away from constant news updates, the demands of daily life often prevent her from taking extended breaks.
Looking ahead
As Election Day approaches, Braver Angels encourages residents to practice the self‑care tools discussed, stay informed through reliable sources, and engage in civil dialogue with friends and family. By grounding themselves in faith, community, and thoughtful conversation, Lane County voters can approach the polls with confidence rather than fear.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
