70% of Americans report election stress as midterms near

Nearly seven in ten Americans are reporting stress or anxiety about the upcoming midterm elections. According to online survey data from LifeStance Health, 70% of U.S. adults felt this way in October as the election date approached. This level of political stress is consistent with previous cycles. In 2024, the American Psychological Association found that 69% of adults cited the presidential election as a major source of stress.

Medical research suggests this emotional toll can have physical consequences. A 2022 study in JAMA Network Open found higher rates of acute cardiovascular disease in the five days following the 2020 presidential election compared to the two weeks prior. That election was not called until four days after voting day, extending the period of uncertainty. Similar patterns emerged in 2020 and 2021 studies looking at the 2016 election, which showed spikes in cardiac arrhythmias and acute cardiovascular disease in the days after voting.

While these studies show associations rather than direct proof of causation, experts advise voters to manage their exposure to news. Dr. Megan Kamath, a cardiologist at UCLA, recommends creating a specific plan before Election Day. She suggests deciding in advance how much news to consume and prioritizing regular meals, movement, and sleep. Kamath also notes that voting and identifying meaningful civic actions can help voters maintain a sense of agency.

Lindsey Rosman, an assistant professor of medicine at Northwestern University, emphasizes the importance of setting expectations for the vote count. Close races often take days to tally, and Rosman says knowing this in advance makes the uncertainty easier to manage. She advises patients to put screens away an hour before bed to prevent the stress response from staying active overnight.

Physical activity and social connection also play a role in managing election day nerves. Ashley Huggins, a psychology professor at the University of Arizona, points to exercise, time with loved ones, and cooking as effective stress relievers. Chris Chanyasulkit, a public health expert, offers a simpler guideline: a walk is better than a third hour of scrolling through news feeds.

Experts also warn against using alcohol, nicotine, or extra caffeine to cope. Huggins suggests using guided breathing or progressive muscle relaxation exercises to calm the nervous system. These techniques signal to the body that it is in a state of relaxation, which can make it easier to handle anxious thoughts. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is another key recommendation, with Rosman noting that results will be the same if checked the next morning.

Misinformation poses an additional stressor during and after elections. Huggins advises readers to be wary of claims that trigger strong emotional reactions, whether they cause anger or validation. Claims about rigged elections or voting problems on either side should be met with skepticism. Checking sources like PolitiFact can help verify facts before sharing or reacting to news.