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It seems everyone is asking the same question: “Who’s going to win?” It’s a tough question to answer, especially with so much uncertainty surrounding the election.
The most honest answer is: no one really knows.
Millions of dollars have been spent on polls, and countless hours have been spent analyzing them. However, trying to predict the outcome based on polls at this point is pointless and irresponsible. The results are outdated and unreliable as we approach the actual count.
This doesn’t mean the polls are useless. They provide a snapshot of how the electorate felt during a specific timeframe. However, they are not predictive in any way.
Just because a poll shows one candidate ahead, it does not mean they will win. And if the election results don’t match the polls, it doesn’t mean the election was rigged. Discrepancies between polls and vote counts happen, and voters should focus on the actual results, not pre-election predictions. There’s no reason to declare a winner before the official numbers are in.
So, no matter who you voted for, do yourself a favor: close all the tabs tracking polls. Focusing on these models will only increase your anxiety. (For those who haven’t noticed, Downtown D.C. and the areas around the White House and Vice President’s residence are already on high alert with fences and plywood, anticipating potential unrest.)
If you want to stay updated, TIME’s staff will be providing a liveblog of events and a map of state-by-state winners. But, honestly, the best thing you can do before the results are released is to take a break from the election. We all deserve a little relaxation.
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