OHIO — Ali Burdick feels that no matter what the outcome of this election is, America still loses because of its division.
“If we just focus that we are all humans, and there are issues that need to be focused on (at) a global level and instead of just fighting against each other, we could elect a leader that makes decisions and benefits the most amount of people,” said Burdick.
She worries knowing an outcome for the 2020 general election might even make things worse.
“The result of this election will divide this country more than what we’ve seen before."
And she isn’t the only one who feels this way. It's the same reason Ohio Northern Professor of Communications Jennifer Walton says the world’s communication chain has consistently gotten worse.
“It used to be perfectly acceptable to agree to disagree, and at some point, we have abandon that mindset, and it seems like it’s, 'I’m right, you’re wrong. I’m right you’re evil,'” said Walton.
It’s been nearly impossible to scroll through social media this week and not see something related to the 2020 election. It’s a tool Walton blames for some of the divisiveness.
“I think social media has been the catalyst that moved us from everyone’s trying to be considerate to everyone is trying to attack each other and unfriend each other.”
And Burdick says she agrees.
“I personally hear everyone’s opinions out. I don’t unfollow anyone just because of a difference in political opinions, but I drastically understand why people would.”
And while the whole country remains on edge as votes continue to be counted, Walton says there are a few solutions to the communication issues. The first: Just don’t engage.
“There are so many other interesting things in the world that we can talk about that have nothing to do with this election.”
For those who feel compelled to discuss politics, she says do so with compassion.
“Don’t go on the attack don’t be offensive just say, 'Can you tell me why you feel the way you do?' You know, don’t be aggressive about it, but literally be thoughtful.”
And if nothing else, she says there is one thing the world can agree on.
“Whether you were voting for Biden because you loved Biden or whether you were voting for Trump because you love Trump, or whether you were voting for one because you didn’t want the other to win, we had an amazing turnout, so I think that is one thing that everyone can agree on and be happy about.”
And Walton is right — so far, the voter turnout for this election is tied with 2008, which had the highest turnout since 1968, according to U.S. voter data. It's on track to reach nearly 67% this year, which would be the most voter turnout in U.S. history on record.