Post Election Day: What’s Next?

Written By Christina Hahn

Millions of Texans voted in the 2024 general election. Donald Trump has been elected to serve as the President of the United States. AAPIs across the political spectrum may be experiencing heightened emotions within our communities.

Regardless of who holds the highest office, ATJ is here to support you, our fellow AAPI Texans through the civic engagement process

Here’s what to expect now that Election Day is over:

Understanding the Election Certification Process

Though we know the result at the top of the ballot, we are still waiting on election results for down-ballot races across the country. Verifying election results can take days or even weeks. Election workers check that ballots are correct and count them. For large counties in Texas, vote counting starts after Early Voting ends. In smaller counties, counting starts the morning of Election Day. Mail-in ballots are also counted on Election Day.

Stay Informed

Our AAPI communities receive information from many different sources. It is important to note that not all sources may be accurate. Misinformation confuses, disinformation deceives, and both affect our ability to make informed decisions.

  • Misinformation is unintentional inaccuracy — false information shared without harmful intent, and can look like:

    • Outdated information

    • Misinterpreted studies or quotes

    • Conspiracy theories / claims that lack context or important details

  • Disinformation is intentional deception — false information spread deliberately to mislead, and can look like: 

    • Strongly persuasive or emotional language

    • Overly simplified, extreme, or overtly biased viewpoints

    • Claims that lack credible sources

  • How do we determine trustworthy sources?

    • Look up the original source to verify the date, details, and context

    • Cross-check the facts with multiple reputable sources

    • Look for patterns in language or themes intended to manipulate

  • What can you do to practice media literacy?

    • Media literacy means understanding, questioning, and creating media with a critical eye

    • Practice critical thinking by building a habit of questioning what you’re seeing.

    • Always double check and think about what you share! Be skeptical yet curious.

Stay Safe

For our AAPI community, there are multiple types of safety to keep in mind after the election:

  • Digital Safety: Online practices and behavior that protects you and your personal information from being shared on the internet. 

  • Physical Safety: Preventing physical attacks and violence. Regardless of outcomes, we can expect heightened tensions, protests, or even riots. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in violence against AAPIs. Take extra care when entering public spaces.

  • Mental & Emotional Safety: The emotional and psychological toll that racism, classism, and marginalization has on our communities. Be aware of your emotions and seek healthy coping processes. Being mindful of your social media intake (aka doom scrolling) is an easy way you can do this. 

  • What can you do to stay safe?

  • Protect Your Digital Identity: Don’t give away sensitive or personal information. Remember that the internet is forever…be cognizant before engaging online!

  • Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Protect yourself & vulnerable communities. Offer to accompany your loved ones. Brush up on Bystander Intervention Training. 

  • Check In: With your family, friends, and community — you’re not alone. Remember to reach out for support when you need it, too!

Stay Engaged

You can’t control everything, but you can make a positive impact locally and in your community. Staying engaged helps empower and prepare you for any political future. Research your local community leaders, organizations, and spaces that fuel your passions!

What can you do to stay engaged?

  • Prepare: Research for the next election, read the news, and be mindful of how social media can influence you. Seek out nonpartisan voter guides or ballot-building tools (like ballot builder) to help you understand the issues.

  • Channel Your Energy: Donate to and volunteer with organizations supporting AAPI communities, like Asian Texans for Justice, or others that align with your values.

  • Get Involved: Use your social media or other platforms to raise awareness on key community issues and encourage others to get involved.

Your participation in democracy is what protects your family, our community, and our futures. Thank you for staying with us in the fight to build a Texas where all people can feel bold in their belonging.

References & Resources 

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About the Author

Christina is the Communications & External Affairs Manager of Asian Texans for Justice. She is a Korean American creative, community builder, and comms professional based in Dallas, Texas. Christina has a passion for advocating for Asian American communities in politics, society, and media. You can reach her at christina@asiantexansforjustice.org.

Christina Hahn

Christina is the Communications & External Affairs Manager of Asian Texans for Justice. She is a Korean American creative, community builder, and comms professional based in Dallas, Texas. As the daughter and granddaughter of immigrants, Christina has a passion for advocating for Asian American communities in politics, society, and media. 

Prior to ATJ, Christina served as the Communications Director for Bluebonnet Data while pursuing her Master’s full time. Prior to her non-profit work, Christina spent several years as a management consultant at a full services boutique firm. Currently, Christina also serves as the Creative Director of the Dallas Asian American Historical Society in a pro bono capacity. Christina is also the founder of the Dallas Asian American Art Club. 

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How to talk to your AAPI community about voting on Election Day