Readers Write: As a first-time voter ...

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The past couple of months have brought nothing but surprises. From President Joe Biden dropping out of the presidential race to former President Donald Trump getting convicted of multiple felonies and being the target of two failed assassination attempts, it is safe to say that this election is a first. And as a first-time voter, this change is alarming, because it deviates from the elections I grew up watching — the ones I was used to.

We all know the presidential election is a big deal, because it’s an opportunity for a candidate to propose their plans for office. But where many people fall short is thinking that who they vote for will only affect our nation for four or eight years. This belief is false. Whoever wins the election determines the path of not only their party, Republican, Democratic or independent, but the path of our nation for years to come. Their actions, good or bad, go beyond the terms they serve and ultimately put our country in a state where we are either recovering or excelling.

As I watched the past two debates, I was in absolute shock. From Vice President Kamala Harris saying that former President Donald Trump left his presidency “with the worst unemployment rate since the Great Depression” to Trump claiming that cats and dogs were being eaten by Haitian immigrants, I saw nothing but unprofessionalism. And it was because of this that I began to ask myself questions like, “Why is it that these debates focus more on exposing the other candidate than talking about policy?”

Over the course of the past few months and weeks, this is what made me a “stressed sideliner”: someone who doesn’t know who to vote for. I started watching their rallies, listening to podcasts and even started fact-checking. However, what I gained from that was minimal.

As I am paying attention to policy — primarily immigration and abortion — my biggest concern for when I cast my vote this fall is who can create bipartisanship in our government and bring our nation together instead of splitting it apart.

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“Unprecedented” is a word repeatedly associated with the political landscape in America. We have been living in “unprecedented” times since 2020. For me, 2020 was the year I began to realize the impact that my generation could have on this foreign, unstable political landscape. My generational impact and the possibility to positively change excites me to cast my vote this November.

However, the increasingly petty nature of politics in recent years is not lost on me. Despite my prior lack of ability to influence elections, I am exhausted by the hyperpartisanship and polarization that characterize today’s political realm. I am tired of the mudslinging and button-pushing, yet I cannot look away. For these things to end, my generation must vote. We must not accept these current norms; instead, we must strive for civility and agreement. We cannot become fatigued and complacent because political apathy is the enemy of democracy.

For me, political apathy is absolutely not an option. Salient issues, such as the climate crisis and health care access, define my vote choice. The harsh realities of the climate crisis pose a great threat to the health and well-being of vulnerable populations across the globe, and we are not immune. Additionally, I believe in equal access to health care for all U.S. citizens — nobody should be denied the services they require. Furthermore, I am fearful of the threats to democracy that Trump represents. So, though I do not agree with Harris and Gov. Tim Walz on every issue on the ballot, they characterize a future of this country that I believe is necessary for democratic survival.

Zoey Coval, College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University

Being a first-time voter in the 2024 election comes with many emotions and responsibilities. This election, I am excited to exercise my vote in a way that creates great change in my local community and nation. This is a privileged milestone I used to think of when I was younger, not anticipating it would come so soon. I’m a young adult and student, so my generation is next in line to be future leaders in society. Exercising our vote gives us a chance to amplify our voices and be heard on issues that affect us and the ones we love directly. I’m a college student as well, so this is also a time of learning and growth. Voting is a powerful way we can contribute to the future of our country and communities we’re involve in. By voting, we can influence the policies put in place and advocate for our and others’ needs.

Every election has been important; however, this election is more than just a vote. It’s a chance to be active in shaping the future of our local communities and nation as a whole.

Lizabeth Nyoike, North Hennepin Community College

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For the longest time, or since I’ve been conscious enough to remember, the election after turning 18 has been named “the most impactful and exciting election of your lifetime.” Well, at least by my mom. She’s always been a strong believer in standing up for what you believe in and is a strong leader because of that.

At times, I feel as though voting feels less of a choice and more of a duty, leaving little room for genuine conviction. It’s somewhat exhausting to be surrounded by campaign rhetoric often ignoring issues that matter to me the most. When meaningful conversations replace immature divisive tactics, the issues and their proposed solutions become a whole lot easier to identify and understand. In a sense, I don’t feel I am being represented or cared for. Nonetheless, I know that sitting out isn’t an option here, primarily when the interest of the U.S. as a whole relies on what happens next in Washington.

Although I may not feel great at the moment, I understand that elections can really impact what happens next for our country, and a single vote can count toward so much. I want to cast my vote in a way that does the most good for the most people — both here and abroad. This election may not be “the most exciting election of [my] lifetime,” but it most definitely is impactful. It reminds me of the importance of standing up and making a decision, even when the choices aren’t in your favor. To make a decision as a Muslim American instead of an American Muslim. No matter what, at the end of the day I’ll vote — not because I’m particularly excited, but because I know it’s necessary for our country.

Saad Ali, St. Croix Preparatory Academy

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For many young people, turning 18 brings exciting milestones like being able to sky-dive or getting a first credit card. For me, the most thrilling aspect of reaching this age is the opportunity to vote in my first election. In a nation that values democracy, exercising this right is crucial.

For me, being the child of a Guatemalan immigrant and being proud to embrace my culture, immigration policy is at the forefront. With that I want a candidate who upholds human rights for all. Economic policy is equally important to me. I want someone who works to tackle inflation, helps economically disadvantaged individuals and lowers the cost of prescription drugs so that constituents aren’t placed into a position of choosing between life or death. Lastly, as a citizen of this world, I think it’s important to consider different climate action plans, so that we breathe clean air, drink clean water and live free from the pollution that fuels the climate crisis.

This election represents more than just casting a vote; it embodies the opportunity to stand up for the values I hold dear and to influence the future of my community and country.