CINCINNATI — As we await the end of a contentious election cycle, we wanted to gauge whether people had already voted, planned to vote, or had no interest in voting — as well as their emotions about the outcome of this election.

So I went outside and asked people.

WCPO

Jada Wilburn said she is excited about the opportunity to be involved in the democratic process.

“I feel great,” Wilburn said. “I mean, people can decide who is good for us.”

When she said “we,” Wilburn motioned to her 4-year-old daughter, Genesis.

Wilburn said her main concern is social services for lower-income people who need assistance.

We also spoke to Khalil Jackson, who said the high prices have hampered his aspirations to become a fashion designer. His sense of anxiety was shared by most WCPO spoke to.

“Because you never know what’s going to happen,” Jackson said.

Logan Haynes said he didn’t plan to vote because he didn’t know enough about the candidates or the issues, but he could feel the anxious energy of those around him.

“I’m anxious to see what happens and I think that comes from everyone else being anxious,” he said.

Psychologist Dr. Stuart Bassman compared mass anxiety events like those seen before critical elections to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We need to understand that just as COVID was contagious, so is anxiety. So is fear. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine,” Bassman said.

Bassman said that while it can be difficult to control feelings of anxiety in events where much of the outcome is out of a person’s control, focusing on the act of voting and being heard is an important act for mental health.

Additionally, Bassman said that taking control of the smaller aspects of life can help reduce anxiety.

“We have to deal with the things that are in our control and accept the things that we can’t,” he said. “It’s called the serenity prayer.”

A second row among those WCPO discussed could also help reduce anxiety. Everyone I spoke to expressed a desire for peace and unity, regardless of who won when all the votes were counted.

“Just spread the love. That’s what it’s all about,” Jackson said.

Wilburn agreed.

“I hope people are peaceful and all that. People should love each other,” Wilburn said.