Pasadenans Feeling Anxiety Ahead of Election

Local residents are feeling the apprehension that is sweeping the nation as people await the results of Tuesday’s election. 

President Donald Trump is squaring off against Vice President Joe Biden in Tuesday’s presidential election as a wide chasm continues to grow between their respective supporters. The election has left many fearful over the way the country will proceed. Among Democrats, fear stems from a 2016 election night surprise in which Trump captured the presidency through the Electoral College, despite Hillary Clinton’s domination of the popular vote.

This year, the Trump administration has fought to have mail-in ballots disqualified if they come in after Election Day.

“It was unexpected when Trump won and we had a lot of protests,” according to Sylvia Salas, a Pasadena resident. “A lot of people were refusing to accept the election results. And then we saw four years of constantly trying to get him out of office. So if he wins again, I can just imagine liberal heads are going to explode. They’re already talking about it. You are hearing already about certain cities preparing for it, already planning behind the scenes, what they’re going to do.”

According to Jennifer N. Fieberg, a psychology professor at Pasadena City College, anxiety is being driven by a fear of the future. 

“My students are expressing it more as a fear and a fear of what’s going to happen tomorrow,” Fieberg said. “Is their future going to look bright? They’re not able to answer right now.”

Ahead of the election results, some business owners have started boarding up their windows, while average people have stockpiled supplies, as the election coincides with the next wave of the coronavirus. 

According to Jeff Edelstein of SOS Survival Products, a company that offers disaster survival products, including water storage kits and sanitation supplies, the current run to secure supplies happens every four years during election time.

“It’s just the not knowing and uncertainty where the economy might end up being or whatever that person ends up doing is for or against the people,” Edelstein said. 

That uncertainty could result from multiple reports that the announcement of the winner on election night could be delayed and Trump’s threat of a court battle could lead to a legal struggle rivaling the 2000 recount. Although many media stations incorrectly reported the 2012 result would be delayed, that race was called for incumbent President Barack Obama on election night.

Still, with the idea of a demonstrating electorate taking to the streets much like protesters across the country did after George Floyd’s death at the hands of police, causing more than $1 billion in damage, according to Bloomberg News, businesses have taken action. 

Walmart has removed its guns and ammunition from the sales floors, aiming to head off any potential theft of firearms if stores are broken into amid social unrest, and many streets will be sealed off in business districts. 

“If Trump wins re-election, we’re going to see protests,” said Pasadena Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Paul Little. Little said he expects to see some protests if Trump is re-elected, but not large-scale insurrections. 

“I don’t think there’s going to be a revolution.” Little said.

Last week, City Manager Steve Mermell and Police Chief John Perez told Pasadena Now that they expect a peaceful election, but said the city was prepared for any potential events. 

Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian said the city has no indication of any activity that would disrupt business districts or neighborhoods. According to Derderian, the situation is being monitored constantly.   

“Our priority is the safety and security of our community. We want to ensure a positive voting experience for our public, but we are always prepared for any potential disruptions. We take pride in hosting large-scale events at the Rose Bowl and Convention Center and the renowned Tournament of Roses Parade, where countless hours of preparedness and training help produce safe events. Our Police Department is in contact with federal, state, county, and regional law enforcement representatives to stay up to date with any local concerns,” Derderian said.

“We have a robust communications plan in place should public notification alerts be necessary. Our city looks forward to locals participating in the voting process on Tuesday,” she said.

Businesses in #pasadena are now boarding up ahead of #ElectionDay and fears of violence in the days ahead 11-02-20 pic.twitter.com/o9qWTEWCdd

— Matt Hartman (@ShorealoneFilms) November 2, 2020

this bank is taking no chances … boarding it all up ahead of election day and presumed violence in the next few days 11-02-20 #pasadena pic.twitter.com/rimC0eiNER

— Matt Hartman (@ShorealoneFilms) November 2, 2020