Elections can be a time of division and debate, and sometimes even discouragement. Both before and after Election Day, we are bombarded with messages that are designed to pull us apart. Even in Utah, where we pride ourselves on our hive-like ability to band together, disagreements abound during the election season.
Despite our political differences, Utah can be a place and we can be a people that mends rifts and moves forward after periods of tumult. Utahns have a remarkable ability to adapt to changing environments. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic had most states in economic disarray, and many are still struggling. Utah, by contrast, responded and recovered in incredible ways. The public and private sectors rallied, combating job loss and economic upheaval. Utah was one of only two states with more jobs in 2021 than pre-pandemic. Our 2020 GDP , despite the pandemic, was still higher than the previous year.
The pandemic is just one example of many that showcase how we, as Utahns, take challenges into our own hands and succeed. Whether facing the results of a worldwide pandemic, economic crisis or divisive election, we have the ability to thrive.