An election where there is an extreme rightist running against an extreme leftist is an independent’s worst nightmare. For the past few months, I have found myself in a huge dilemma. Growing up in a mostly conservative family, I am pushed to vote Republican, because I grew up surrounded by the ideals and beliefs of that party. But being a college student in modern times, I am inclined to vote Democratic, because I believe in social progression and the economic policies of the party. It’s not just me – many of my peers and I would guess that you too are in a similar dilemma.
We have two options for president, and only one choice. To vote either way would betray my moral conscience, and to not vote at all would be heart wrenching for an individual who considers herself such a political agent in today’s society.
The past few weeks, I have been going back and forth – whether to vote for Hillary Clinton or not vote at all. Trump was never in the equation. To have a man who so openly hateful towards women, immigrants, and minorities even in the election is a disgrace to America and all of the values that have been embedded into this country since the Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution. People are entitled to believe what they may, but I refuse, even for one second, to believe that Donald Trump is even the slightest bit qualified for the job of being the president of the United States.
But to vote for Hillary Clinton would also impose on my own moral beliefs considering I grew up in such a conservative household, and my whole identity has been shaped by the conservative and religious views surrounding the ideals of the pro-life movement, military defense, and other conservative views that have been prevalent in my life since I was born. I’m torn on what to do.
What about this nonsense of not voting? Democrats would say it’s a vote for Trump, and Republicans would say it’s a vote for Hillary. My friends, I will stand to say that it’s a vote for neither. Up until the past few weeks, I was avid about voting for my first election. I consider myself to be a very political agent – I’ve attended different rallies and marches, followed the election process with enthusiasm, and have partaken in political debates with family members and peers as often as the chance presents itself.
For me to not vote in this election would not be because I do not think that my vote doesn’t count, but it would be because I refuse to choose between the choices that we’ve been given. Isn’t that a political statement in itself? Instead of voting between the lesser of two evils, wouldn’t it be better to not vote for “evil” at all? I’m still torn on what to do, but the choice of not voting is becoming a more viable option as the election draws closer and closer. We all have a very important decision as we vote (or not vote) this year, because I believe this election to be a very monumental one in our history. My advice to you is to take your future into consideration and do not vote in vain; make your decision based on what you believe and on what your heart tells you to do, and take the role of a political agent. Whatever you choose to do, do not condemn others for different beliefs and despite the outcome, continue living according your own set of beliefs and values no matter who is elected.
