I voted for the first time in the 1960 election, casting my vote for Senator John F. Kennedy. Since then, I have participated in every election, typically supporting Democratic candidates, although I have also voted for some Republicans.
The upcoming election holds immense significance for me. The stakes are incredibly high. President Trump is not a traditional conservative; he is an extreme radical surrounded by right-wing extremists and white supremacists.
If re-elected, he would have the power to appoint justices to the US Supreme Court, potentially shaping a hard-right Court for generations to come. He has expressed intentions to dismantle the civil service, replacing career officials with loyalists. Trump aims to dismantle the federal government’s authority, cut Social Security and Medicare, abolish the Environmental Protection Agency, and implement harsh immigration policies, including detaining and expelling millions of immigrants.
Reflecting on the words of British political philosopher Walter Bagehot, I am reminded that the stability of a democratic society hinges on the relatively low stakes of elections. However, Trump’s rhetoric and actions pose a direct threat to our democracy, labeling opponents as “enemies” and advocating for their imprisonment or execution.
In response, I cast my vote on October 26, the first day of early voting in New York State. To maintain my mental well-being, I have reduced my consumption of news and instead find solace in watching reruns of “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.” I have also chosen to avoid poll-watching, recognizing the unnecessary stress it causes.
Furthermore, I have actively supported various candidates through contributions, including Harris, Walz, Allred, Tester, Mucarsel-Powell, Brown, Kunce, Alsobrooks, Baldwin, and more. While I am unable to physically canvass due to my age, I encourage everyone I know in battleground states to exercise their right to vote.
I implore you to participate in this election if you have not already done so. Reach out to friends and family, urging them to vote as well. This election is far from ordinary; our future is at stake. Every vote counts, and together, we can shape the direction of our nation.