Dear Bernie Sanders Supporter,
This has been a difficult week all around for Sanders supporters. Believe me, I know.
As reporters on every major media have so eloquently phrased it, Hillary Clinton has "clinched" the Democratic Party nomination, with a victory in California, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota. In light of this, you, as a supporter of Bernie, have a difficult choice to make, and it seems that everyone and their mother is trying to force you to make it right now. You've heard their pleas from every nook and cranny of your Facebook feed - "Don't split the party!", "A vote for Bernie is a vote for Trump!", "Get with her, or don't bother voting at all," and "Voting independently is a waste", to name a few.
I know, it's frustrating, and that you may feel confused and a bit lost right about now. However, if you can block out all the voices and insistence that there is only one correct path, you'll see that there are, in fact, multiple paths, each as valid as the last, and none of which make you a "bad American".
If you do decide to vote for Hillary, that does not make you a sell out to the "political revolution". It is completely okay that you've spent the last year questioning her politics and ethics, because that is what you are supposed to do when someone runs for president. You are supposed to place their policies under a microscope, compare their history to their promises for the future, and point out inconsistencies. If there is something that bothers you, you should bring it to light, and push for change. Don't feel guilty to be proud to support the first woman to make it this far in a presidential election - it's a momentous occasion. If that's the path you go down, then put your whole heart into it, and do what you can to make her a candidate of which you can be proud.
If you decide to write Bernie Sanders in during the general election, do not feel like you are wasting your vote. One of the most important and fantastic things about being an American is our ability to have a voice, and putting forth your true and honest opinion, regardless of backlash, is not something that should bare any shame. Fight for Bernie, fight for change within our political system, fight the notion that there is such a thing as a wasted vote, and the results may surprise you. Furthermore, don't give up hope just yet - the convention has not yet occurred, and no nomination is official yet, despite what your news sources might tell you. Keep moving forward, and cross that bridge when we actually get there.
If you decide to stray away from the "major" parties and vote independently, do not let anyone tell you that you are wasting your vote. America's first president, George Washington, warned against bipartisanship, and here we are, tearing each other to shreds across the aisle. It is time to make room for some grey area, and to start paying attention to candidates that identify as non-partisan, the candidates that get little to no media attention because they don't have the funds to be considered "relevant". Do your research, find the candidate that fits your views, and vote for that individual. It really is that simple.
If you decide to vote for Donald Trump - well, good luck, and more power to you. Have fun building your wall, I guess.
Most importantly, don't let anyone else tell you what to do with your political voice. You are an individual with a huge responsibility, the responsibility of deciding who will guide the future of our nation, and that is not something to be taken lightly. Let your decision be your own. Honestly, the only way to waste your vote is to not use it at all. Don't be that guy.
Regardless of your decision, remember that you were a part of a revolution. You fought for change, and for once, those in charge were forced to pay attention. Keep #feelingthebern, no matter the outcome of the election. Look beyond a term in office, hold true to the message, and keep fighting the good fight.
XOXO,
A Fellow Bernie Supporter
