For months, I have been researching and weighing my options on who to vote for this election. Since my favorite candidate was not the chosen nominee, I had to change my thinking. To me, it was an easy choice to make. Since I understand the system isn’t set up for a true free election, I know that the two parties are pretty much the only viable options. Between the two nominees, only one is an actual option for me. And while I know my beliefs are firm, there are still many people I know that can’t vote for who I am due to the media falsifying reports to sway voters.

Several people I know are voting third party to “make a statement”. However, in an election that could literally mean war, this is where I do believe third party votes are actually pointless. The polls are too close to be considered safe for either candidate. Here’s a quick reminder about your two candidates:

On November 8^th, we will learn who our next president is. If it is Donald Trump, millions of people will begin packing up their homes in fear of deportation and exile. If it is Hillary Clinton, we will be forced to listen to the Republican Party complain about how the election was rigged until the end of her presidency.

In Donald Trump’s America, racism and hatred are brought to the foreground. Simply because he is a candidate, we have become a laughing stock to the rest of the world. The president is given the nuclear launch codes immediately after being sworn in. Trump has often spoken about bombing our enemies to solve our problems. He has also been in many fights via social media, which shows his temperament. His comments about women and their bodies have been so shocking to me that it is hard for me to believe women still support him. His chosen Vice President, Mike Pence, has voted to fund Conversion Camps for gay youth. Trump has repeatedly spoken out about his plans for immigration reform and quite frankly, these remarks upset me, even though I am a young white woman. He firmly believes that abortions can occur up to the day before a due date. His comments about Muslims and people with disabilities are appalling. Currently he has filed for bankruptcy six times (PolitiFact). These aren’t exaggerations, these are facts. He is most likely the most offensive presidential candidate ever.

Hillary Clinton’s American looks very different. She has devoted her life to the welfare of women and children. While she is a career politician, she is highly qualified for the position. She has made many connections with diplomats through her career as secretary of state. Clinton believes that women have a right to their own bodies and feels that the government shouldn’t be making that choice for anyone. She also believes that healthcare and education are important for all Americans. However, many of her achievements have been overshadowed by the scandal she is involved in concerning her emails. President Bush was involved in a similar email scandal during his presidency but it was handled very quietly. Despite this, she is still the most qualified candidate.

Here’s why I’m scared: if Donald Trump wins, we have no idea what will happen. He has said previously that he likes being unpredictable; that he wants to keep people guessing. He also has encouraged violence at his rallies for behavior he doesn’t agree with. So what happens when he gets ahold of the nuclear launch codes? If Hillary Clinton wins, I’m sure that she would make some big changes. However, where there is progress, there is stubbornness. Hillary Clinton will be met with resistance every step of the way and then blamed for not getting anything done much like President Obama. Either way we are in a lose-lose situation.

As I said earlier, my candidate was not the nominee but I still will vote for Hillary Clinton. I’ve weighed my options and I know what fits best for me. I’m not saying my option is the best option or the option for you. No matter what though, please vote. This is one of the most important elections of our time and there is no excuse to not vote.