Reporters Inc. readers share hopes and fears of 2024 election outcome
October 2024
Editor’s Note: The Reporters Inc. recently reached out to our readers and supporters to ask them for their thoughts in response to one simple question: “Why is this election so important to you?”
We’ve compiled the insights of 33 very different people who sent in their impassioned answers. They range in age from 21 to 77—college students to retirees. They’re business owners and professionals, educators, artists, journalists and activists; some work in health, legal or government roles.
They’re White, Black, biracial, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, agnostic, straight and LGBTQ+. They live in big cities and small towns, in nine states and three countries.
Their responses touch on everything from abortion rights and climate change to protecting democracy, fighting homelessness, and improving education. Many write about their deep concerns for their own health, safety, rights, privileges and freedoms—and protecting the futures of their children and grandchildren.
Though by no means a scientific sampling, this wide array of thoughts and opinions provides a fascinating glimpse into the minds and hearts of people who care very deeply about the impact and outcome of the 2024 election—and who will vote to decide our next American leaders.
Please note that the opinions expressed here are not those of The Reporters Inc. as an organization; we do not endorse, campaign for, or support candidates seeking election to political offices.
Jennifer Driscoll, 53, Cedar Falls, IA, registered nurse/hospice administrator, divorced mother of three
The 2024 election represents so much more than politics—it’s a battle for the very soul of our democracy.
For me, casting my vote is an act of defense, a stand to protect the freedoms and rights we’ve long fought for.
As the mother of a 30-year-old daughter, this election holds special significance because my daughter is an adult woman navigating a world where the hard-won rights of women are under threat, and I refuse to let her future be one where those rights could be stripped away.
As the mother of two biracial children, I know firsthand the importance of equality. Their future, their opportunities, and the society they will grow up in depend on a system that upholds fairness and justice for all people, regardless of race.
Additionally, as the mother of a child with special needs, I’m fighting for his rights as well. The 2024 election will determine the protections and support systems in place for him to thrive in a world that is often not built with him in mind. His voice, and the voices of so many others with special needs, deserve to be heard and respected.
Furthermore, LGBTQ+ rights are deeply important to me. I have family members who are gay, and I believe in the fundamental right for everyone to love who they love and to marry freely without fear or discrimination. The fight for equality in marriage and rights for the LGBTQ+ community is far from over, and this election is a pivotal moment in safeguarding those freedoms.
Bottom line: For me, this election is about more than just policies—it’s about ensuring that the freedoms and rights for my children, my family, and future generations are preserved. My vote is a stand for democracy, equality and the future of every child, no matter their gender, race or who they love.
Joan Treppa, 66, Blaine, MN, writer, married mother of one
On September 20, Donald Trump posted on social media (yes, in all caps), “WOMEN WILL BE HAPPY, HEALTHY, CONFIDENT AND FREE” if he returns to the White House. “I WILL PROTECT WOMEN AT A LEVEL NEVER SEEN BEFORE.”
Does the former president really think I’m gullible enough to believe him when he posts random messages promising to act in my best interest—that under his watch I, and the rest of America’s women, will be “HOPEFUL, SAFE AND SECURE”?
Hard to buy, seeing that he and his running mate are, at the same time, threatening to limit women’s reproductive rights—our right to choose what’s best for our health.
Their far-right rhetoric even includes talk of taking away our right to leave an abusive marriage. Some of their cronies think we shouldn’t even be able to vote! These extremists have shown women nothing but contempt.
The stakes are high. We must honor the selfless actions of countless brave women who have come before us—who have sacrificed so much in order to achieve indispensable rights for all women. We must stand up, speak out, and defeat those who are working diligently to activate their chauvinistic and condescending demands.
They pretend that women are the weaker gender, that women haven’t been major contributors to the betterment of this country, and that we all somehow need to be taken care of by men.
It’s time to show them, once and for all, just how strong we really are—at the ballot box.
Robert Ritzenthaler, 59, Tripoli, Lebanon, project leader for International Health and Development, married father of one
For the last 16 years, I’ve lived and worked outside the United States in the field of international health and development. This has included 10 years based in Kenya, five in Ethiopia, and one in Lebanon where I currently reside.
One might think my connection to my country has waned during this time.
On the contrary, I feel my American identity even more strongly than I did when I lived “back home,” and I see the U.S.’s influence on the world more clearly than ever.
People around the world pay attention to how our leaders behave, they take cues, and often act accordingly. I recall watching live coverage of the January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol riots in a restaurant in Adama, Ethiopia. Patrons were watching attentively, glued to the TV set, and I could only guess what this might inspire—for good or bad. I was horrified and embarrassed.
This brings me to the 2024 presidential election which, from the outside looking in, is the most consequential election of my lifetime—all 59 years of it.
We have a clear choice between a candidate who manifests reason, decency, fairness and a desire for dialogue and peace—Kamala Harris—and a candidate who manifests ignorance, cruelty, corruption and indifference to the world’s most shattering conflicts and problems: Donald Trump.
Every day I see how the leaders and policies of the United States affect the world we live in.
It matters who is at the helm—who is sending signals and cues to the rest of the planet.
The world, including the war-torn country I live in, will be better off with a person with empathy, a listener who can inspire people to come together and talk—better off with Kamala Harris.
The alternative is an enabler who will unleash the worst instincts among us in this world.
The United States is not an island. Covid showed us that what happens “out there” affects what happens “right here.” The world, and the U.S.’s corner of it, will be better off with Harris, and not with Trump.
The world is watching, and waiting.
Madison Maronde, 21, Honolulu, HI, journalist, single
As a college-aged woman, I have more friends who’ve been sexually assaulted than friends who haven’t been.
I’ve seen first-hand the effects this has on a young woman’s life.
I’ve also seen people around me devoutly support a sexual predator, former President Donald Trump, who has been found liable for sexual assault.
During his time in office, Trump created a society of continued hatred and polarization, and his numerous comments and actions degrading women have repeatedly been excused.
Trump’s offensive comments towards women are old news, but they are still relevant and could not paint a clearer picture of his objectification of women.
Not only was he found liable for sexual assault last year, he has also alluded to dating his daughter—if she weren’t his daughter, that is. Is that fact somehow supposed to excuse that statement?
And, of course, we can never forget his infamous line from a 2005 television appearance about grabbing women by their genitals.
I’m a 22-year-old White woman and I’ve become increasingly aware of my privilege in recent years, but I’ve also become increasingly aware, as women before me have, of the extra hurdles women have to jump in this society.
But I also believe that it doesn’t always have to be this way.
It’s possible for us to take a turn in this country, away from belittling women and their needs.
I have hope for this election because I know Kamala Harris supports women’s rights to their bodies. Even though I don’t align with all of Harris’ viewpoints, I trust her values and I trust her to fight for us.
I have an 11-year-old sister, and I want her to have a powerful role-model to look up to.
I want her to see that we really can have a woman in the highest position of power that our nation has to offer.
I want her to be able to be in control of her reproductive rights, to not feel ashamed of her choices, to not have anyone else control her body.
I want her to grow up in a society that promotes acceptance, whether that be with immigrants or the LGBTQ+ community.
Trump has shown us what society looks like when he’s in charge; it was hateful, violent, and tore us apart.
I’m tired of seeing so many around me continue to support a man who could not be more transparent in his views of minorities.
I’m sick of trying to convince family members not to vote for a sexual predator and convicted felon.
I’m nervous knowing Trump and the GOP push off climate change issues, leaving it for other generations to deal with, because that’s my generation.
Under Trump’s presidency I was embarrassed to call myself an American.
I want to have pride in my country, and what America stands for.
Let’s move on from hate, to acceptance.
Let’s vote, and prevent him from ever holding office again.
Josephine Parrilli, 62, Chicago, IL, licensed clinical social worker, single
I’m a proud, childless lesbian, and a daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend to many. Unfortunately, there are some in our society who wish I would just go away.
I’m referring to those who live a life filled with hate and demoralization on a daily basis.
I, on the other hand, aspire to live an intentional life, filled with kindness and love. I hold my family and friends closely and my work is my passion. I look forward to every day.
I try to keep a smile on my face and to lift up and empower others who may be suffering in silence. I also try to do the right thing, especially when no one is watching. Being ethical is the only way I know how to be, and choose to live.
I’m proud to be the same person both publicly and privately and would like to continue living without fear. Yet others are intent on moving the clock backwards, intent on violating and destroying civil rights and freedoms.
I can’t control others’ behavior, only my own. Yet I was taught not merely to turn the other cheek, but to vote.
My life, and all of our lives, depend on it.
Steve Olson, 58, Cedar Falls, IA, software engineer, divorced father of two
He:
- Inherited more than $400 million from his dad
- Launched a failed university, a failed casino, filed for bankruptcy six times, and has had virtually no actual success as a businessman
- Bragged on 9/11 that his building was now the tallest, only hours after the Twin Towers collapsed, killing 2,753 people
- Says he hires only the best people, only to fire many of them
- Has only “concepts of a plan” for U.S. healthcare, nine years after running for the presidency the first time
- Says of immigrants: They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists…
- Mocks the disabled
- Insists the Central Park Five are still guilty, despite DNA evidence proving their innocence
- Solicited a bribe from Ukraine, pressuring the country to investigate his political rivals
- Asked Russia to help find Hilary’s emails
- Fell in love with Kim Jung Un because he wrote him nice letters
- Said he would date his daughter if she wasn’t actually his daughter
- Grabs them by the pussy
- Denies rape because he says “she would not have been the chosen one”
- Avoided serving in Vietnam because a doctor said he had bone spurs, as a favor to the family
- Likes people who were not prisoners of war
- Doesn’t want wounded soldiers around because he says no one wants to see them
- Smiled and gave the thumbs up over the graves of fallen soldiers he thinks are “suckers and losers”
- Looked directly at a solar eclipse
- Suggested that injecting bleach could be a way to wipe out Covid, as hundreds of thousands of people died
- Thinks immigrants are eating people’s pets
- Wonders what happens to wind power when the wind stops (also thinks the noise causes cancer)
- Wonders what happens to solar power when the sun sets
- Wonders why we can’t use nuclear weapons to stop hurricanes
- Asked Georgia to find 11,780 votes
- Incited an insurrection that resulted in the sacking of the U.S. Capitol with 174 injured and five dead
- Tried to get his vice president hung
- Killed Roe V. Wade
- Said millions and millions of people are taking “Black jobs”
- Doesn’t understand that a tariff is a tax Americans pay
- Said “We have to get over it” after school shootings
- Said of his deportation plan: “Getting them out will be a bloody story”
- Has no idea what Project 2025 is, even though there’s video of him promoting it
- Hid highly classified documents in his bathroom
- Was endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police after being convicted of 34 felonies
- Will jail political opponents, journalists, lawyers, law enforcement officials, and anyone else who opposes him
- Says he will be a dictator on day one
And that’s just off the top of my head.
Me:
I’ll be voting for her.
Kim Whiting, 60, Tulsa, OK, writer, married mother of two
This election is important to me for many reasons, but at the top of the list is a desire for a president who believes in the climate crisis, and who’s invested in working toward solutions.
I also want a president who’s committed to the fundamental freedom and right of all people to make decisions about their own bodies—without governmental intervention or regulation.
And, I want a president who sees the need for prison reform—including the need to address the underlying emotional trauma that often propels criminal activity and recidivism.
Oh, and I want a president who believes in gun control.
Above all, I want a president who will work toward unifying rather than dividing our country, who will work across party lines, and who will focus on lifting the underserved and struggling among us.
I don’t think that’s too much to ask for at all.
Jennifer Whitney, ageless, Cool, CA, psychotherapist, married mother of two
As a psychotherapist in private practice in Northern California, I have the privilege of looking deeply into people’s lives, hearing their often silent fears, their fragile hopes and dreams.
I’m frequently touched by the courage my clients show as they work through their issues—the vulnerability and trust they display in trying to understand their own lives and how they can best navigate their worlds.
What I’m seeing now is something of great concern, something with no simple answers.
Many of my clients are extremely anxious over this upcoming election, fearing their freedoms are at stake. Reproductive freedoms, marriage laws, the right to free speech; they see it all as something very tenuous in this election.
Their fears are not without merit. There is no simple fix in preparing for a future that could set back their rights by decades.
A common therapy intervention for anxiety is the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). With CBT, the client presents a thought of theirs (one that’s often irrational or with little to no merit) and then the therapist and client work together to look at it in a more rational way.
An example could be “I can’t go to the gym alone because I just know that everyone is always looking at me.” We then discuss if people are really looking at them, why others would be so interested in looking at them, what it means if someone actually does look at them, how they would react if someone actually looks at them, etc.—until the person can see the situation from a different perspective.
They can then begin to change their thinking/thoughts/cognition and can begin to move past the old thought patterns and function in a healthier way.
Unfortunately, this upcoming election doesn’t play out in CBT land.
Clients have every reason to be frightened; no rational thought can counter losing personal rights. There is often nothing I can say to assuage their concerns; their fears simply can’t be rationalized away.
What can be done if their candidate doesn’t win and their worst fears come true? That’s a completely different discussion, and one that will be taking place in many therapy offices across the country pending the outcome of this election.
What becomes of the hopes and dreams of those who were just beginning to hope and dream?
Walter Swift, ageless, Chicago, IL, clinical trials researcher/DEI consultant/actor, married
The late great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.”
These words bear a profound meaning today, given the tragic state of our democracy.
“Bad people” are lifting their voices in ways that are critically jeopardizing our rights and our freedoms. As a result, this is not a time when “good people” can remain silent and allow oppression and cruelty to become the centerpiece of our lives.
The division in this country is palpable. The political landscape is teeming with inflammatory rhetoric that blows up at every turn. Every word we voice is a potential landmine waiting to explode into a new controversy.
Taking back our country from this intense polarization will require building relationships, even with those who have opposing viewpoints.
To do so, we must elect a president who has the capacity to listen. We must elect a president who has the capacity for compassion. We must elect a president who has the capacity to lead—without the possibility of being led to prison.
We can’t allow the incredible strides we’ve made over the last nearly-250 years in this country to be destroyed by people in power who put their own interests ahead of the rest of us.
My hope is that the next generation will learn from the chaos we’re experiencing now. But today, good people need to speak up, and need to act up.
We need to vote.
We’re in the fight of our lives to keep our country free of dictatorship, free of hate, and free of fear. We must stand together and fight the oppression and the cruelty of the bad people at every turn.
We cannot stay silent.
MJ McGowan, 59, LaGrange Park, IL, hospitality and tourism, married
I feel a greater sense of urgency and trepidation about this election, similar to what I felt in 2016.
At that time, when the reality set in that Trump had won, my now-wife and I quickly realized that we were in danger of losing rights and privileges, perhaps even some we had taken for granted.
The dividing line went up in the country, often splitting families. I know it split ours and promoted a period of not speaking to them. It also prompted us to get married as we feared that right would be rescinded.
This time, we’ve gone from resignation that our candidate (Biden) might not be able to defeat Trump, to elation when Kamala emerged, and now to trepidation again as this has clearly become a fight in which democracy is at stake.
Overall, I’m hopeful that I’ll get to witness history as the first woman is elected president; this will enable our country to enter a new era of prosperity and growth, allowing it to retain and regain status with our longtime allies, and develop a new respect from those who oppose this nation.
Diane Nilan, 74, Blowing Rock, NC, activist/author/filmmaker, single
This is the most important election of my life. Not just for me, but for millions who don’t even know this election is important—our nation’s individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Although I don’t entertain hopes that Harris/Walz will miraculously end homelessness, I’m certain, based on past performance and incoherent campaign speeches, that the other candidate will spare no effort to make lives of housing insecure and homeless persons more miserable.
After working in this field for four decades, I know the power of the presidency has a major impact on homelessness, now more than ever.
For example, Ronald Reagan pulled the rug out from under government housing assistance in the 1980s. He slashed Housing and Urban Development funding from $83 billion (1978) to $18 billion (1983), cementing the deterioration of housing stability for income-challenged Americans.
Few paid attention to what happens when you defund the—albeit imperfect and inadequate—housing assistance. Families and individuals who relied on government housing to keep a roof over their heads learned first-hand what the cuts meant: the beginning of modern homelessness.
The Western Regional Advocacy Project’s iconic analysis of the impact of federal housing policies and budgetary decisions, Without Housing: Decades of Federal Housing Cutbacks and Massive Policy Failures, boils down the role of presidents when it comes to homelessness:
“Guided by ‘free market’ principles and the ‘trickle down’ theory, Reagan slashed federal funding of social programs designed to assist poor people, including the federal funding of affordable housing production. While some similar cuts had also been made at the end of the Carter administration, Reagan maintained these cuts, dramatically increased them and elevated the idea of eliminating social assistance to a guiding philosophy of governance.”
I’m bipartisan pissed.
Bill Clinton did families no favor when he demolished welfare, already an imperfect approach to family instability. His Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) sounded good to those who believed we were enabling impoverished moms by giving them free government money and other benefits.
The predictable result: record and skyrocketing family homelessness.
We could, and should, pay attention to the down ticket elections, too. Lots of damage can be done by having unenlightened elected officials in cities and towns, counties and states.
School board representatives can impact educational access and quality, especially for impoverished and homeless kids. North Carolina, my state, shamefully has Republican gubernatorial and state school superintendent candidates who are textbook examples of dysfunctional, disastrous possibilities.
Let me leave you with this sobering thought: women, with and without kids, will be those most affected by our presidential choice.
Vote for an incoherent convicted sex offender whose delusional campaign is based on hate and fear.
Or, vote for a credible public servant with a track record of enforcing laws that protect families with a positive campaign based in reality.
Vote like your children and grandchildren, or nieces and nephews, depend on it.
They do.
Greg O’Neil, 61, Chicago, Il, specialty food and beverage consultant, married
Dating back to childhood, I’ve always had a keen interest in current events and politics. Yet I don’t believe I’ve ever been so compelled by an election in my life, as I am by this one.
The only campaign that comes close was in 2008, when I worked hard to elect Obama.
Still, this one is different. So much has happened in the intervening years, not just to our politics, but to America and its culture and our sense of common decency. I know I’m not the only one who wants to return to a kinder time, a time when we assumed the best in others.
So, to get us started in that direction, I’m once again working hard—this time as Co-Chair of Q Force Midwest Action Group to help make sure that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are elected in our critical backyard battleground states of Michigan and Wisconsin.
Olivia Hines, 21, Minneapolis, MN, journalist and college student, married
I’m 21, and this is the first presidential election I’ve been eligible to vote in—an exciting milestone in a young adult’s life. This election will also determine if I’ll be living in fear, or in hope, as I start the next chapter of my life.
Of the only two meaningful candidates standing before us, I know who I’ll be voting for, but it’s the fear of who others will be voting for that haunts me.
There are many things I want for myself, for my family, for my friends, and for my country.
I want free education.
I want free healthcare.
I want climate change reform.
I want gun control.
I want my healthcare rights codified and protected by law.
I want all those things because I’ve lived without them long enough.
But sadly, I can imagine an America led by a dictator-wannabe who brainwashed and manipulated Americans into voting for him, into rallying behind him, into storming the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021—because I have lived through it.
320+ million Americans and I lived through those four years prior, and we simply cannot live through them again.
As the election draws nearer, I keep thinking: I’m learning how to serve my community and my country using my skills as a journalist, but how can I be expected to diligently serve my country when it will fail to do the same for me?
This election will decide if the United States of America will take one giant step forward or one enormous step back. I’ll have to take one step back from my dreams—the ones I share with my friends, my sisters, my parents and my husband—if Donald Trump ascends to the presidency once again.
This election will decide every aspect of my life because I refuse to live, to work, and to build my life in a country I’m not proud of—in a country where I’m afraid.
I hope, and I beg, that my fellow Americans make the right choice.
Jen Santoro Rotty, 57, Burnsville, MN, corporate event planner, married mother of two
As a mixed-race, middle-aged woman with two adult daughters, this election feels personal in ways that are deeply rooted in my identity and values.
Seeing Kamala Harris as Vice President and potentially the first female and mixed race president of the United States has been a source of inspiration. It reminds me that progress is possible, but we can’t afford to become complacent.
One of my greatest concerns is my daughters’ future, especially their reproductive health. I want them to have the right to make decisions about their bodies, free from governmental control. The erosion of these rights is not something I want them or their future children to face.
But what weighs on me most is the fact that we continue to be live in an increasingly polarized world, where anger and fear are amplified. I don’t want my daughters or potential grandchildren to inherit a country consumed by this negativity.
For me, the 2024 election is about more than policies or party lines. It’s about defining the kind of world we want to live in—a world where we come together, embrace our diversity, and choose hope over hate.
I believe that this election is a turning point, and it’s up to all of us to ensure that the future is one of compassion, inclusion, and justice for all.
Lynn Moller, 63, Madison, WI, paralegal, married mother of two
Elections matter. That’s certainly a simple statement, but Holy Democracy Demise Batman, it sure packs a punch this year.
Choices made in November, from local referendums to the next president are rife with implications for every American. I’ve made no secret of my political ideology (hint: not the elephant in the room); however, I am open-minded and evaluate a candidate on their merits, history, ideas, etc., even if they aren’t a member of my preferred party.
But this year, suffice it to say, I’m Blue all the way. The alternative is terrifying for me, my loved ones, and the entire country.
Autocracy, dictatorship, theocracy—never before would I have associated these government forms as possibilities in the United States. Yet we have Donald Trump’s provocative statements such as “I’d be a dictator on day one,” or “in four years, you don’t have to vote again. We’ll have it fixed so good, you’re not going to have to vote.”
It doesn’t matter if his ramblings were made in jest; his true colors are shining through.
Trump’s actions surrounding the events of January 6, 2021 speak volumes about his willingness to attack our democratic processes. Trump’s appointment of conservative federal and Supreme Court judges has led to Ten Commandments posters and Bible lesson requirements in public schools—crumbling the foundation of church and state separation.
What do I want in a leader? I want leaders who allow us to make our own health care decisions. I want leaders who respect those who don’t fit the “norm.”
I want sensible gun laws so we don’t have to hear about another tragic school or community shooting by a troubled soul with an assault rifle. I want a leader who can guide us through a health or other unforeseen crises without spewing conspiracy theories or bizarre solutions.
How about a leader who smiles, has fun, inspires, and relates to the average citizen?
Think you’re above the law, lie endlessly, belittle people, pander to billionaires and corporate interests? Nope, not getting my vote.
I don’t care how trite it sounds. I want a leader with a vision for the future versus one who will drag us into the past.
Tim Munkeby, 77, Minnetonka, MN, teacher/author/financial advisor, married father of five, grandfather to 12
I’ve always been fascinated by Adolph Hitler’s ability to convince an entire population (minus some thinking citizens) to follow him, and to believe it was OK to exterminate six million Jewish people—and millions more—trying to conquer the world.
I grew up finding it almost impossible to comprehend the Holocaust really happened, as if it were just a horrible nightmare. In high school, I read a book, The True Believer, and I remember feeling so fortunate to have been born in the United States where such a thing simply was not possible.
Or so I thought, until 2016, when MAGA crawled out of the dark. MAGA is a mass movement created of “true believers”—just like Nazi Germany.
From Eric Hoffer, the author of The True Believer : “All mass movements generate in their adherents a readiness to die and a proclivity for united action; all of them, irrespective of the doctrine they preach and the program they project, breed fanaticism, enthusiasm, fervent hope, hatred and intolerance; all of them are capable of releasing a powerful flow of activity in certain departments of life; all of them demand blind faith and single hearted allegiance.”
It’s frightening to consider that this fanaticism, born out of people’s frustration, could create such a horrendous danger to not only democracy in the U.S. but to our safety and standing in the world.
Can so many Americans be so blindingly bamboozled?
The now-34-time-convicted felon they call their leader lies like he breathes, admittingly abuses women, defrauds those he does business with, disparages anyone who dares contradict him, and on and on.
When in office, he gave the position of Secretary of Education to a clueless large donor and cut educational funding. Dictators don’t want an educated, thinking electorate. If he returns, his administration would be fatal to education.
And let’s not forget that he refused to initially even acknowledge the pandemic because he thought it would hurt him politically—causing more than 400,000 Covid-related deaths of our fellow Americans by the time he left office.
But all is forgiven by the fanatical true believers.
Some are even now confusing this false idol with the second coming of Christ. Good god, help us!
That so many people still plan on voting for him is the stuff of satire, lampoonery, parody, burlesque, and absurdity.
But it’s much more dangerous than that.
Any rational person has to ask themselves what lurks in the dark recesses of this man’s mind when he says: “…you got to get out and vote. In four years, you don’t have to vote again. We’ll have it fixed so good, you’re not going to have to vote.”
What new conclusions might I present that could make a difference?
How many times can I shout out a warning about dictator-wannabees?
About MAGA mass movement fanatics?
Can they be educated, convinced to think?
Will the reality that we’re on the brink of something reminiscent of Nazi Germany change the minds of these people?
To remain sane, I just have to believe that within America resides enough decent citizens and voters to not let a psychopathic narcissist become president of the United States—again.
Otherwise, we’re in deep shit.
An awful lot depends on an informed vote. The importance of this election is existential.
Brenda Maronde, 52, Marshfield, WI, registered nurse, married mother of four
I’ve been voting for our government leadership for 34 years and take my Constitutional rights seriously.
We are a government by the people, and for the people.
In 2016, when Donald Trump was voted into office, I was shocked that he took the majority. Could no one else see how condescending he was to minorities and women? He defines egocentricity and only serves himself, not our great country. He does not understand what the words “public service” mean.
As a Christian, I simply can’t understand how the Evangelical population endorsed this man. Yes, Christianity is based on grace and forgiveness, but Trump doesn’t live by any of Jesus’ principles.
When I watched the insurrection on our nation’s capital on January 6, 2021, I was horrified. Trump had so much power over these people. He could have immediately raised his hand and said “go home” and the crowd would have done so. Instead, he said nothing and did nothing—for 187 minutes.
I’m fearful the same kind of reaction will occur if or when Trump loses this election. He’s already priming people again by saying everything is unfair and stolen; he’s pressurizing the perfect storm.
Those of us who study history know that this is often how an autocrat ascends to power, by inciting fear and gaining absolute control. I used to think our government was beyond collapse and the promotion of a dictator, but after the insurrection, I stand corrected.
I’m frightened of the absolute power Trump seeks, and the civil liberties that could fall if he does get elected again. Too many Americans, especially rural Americans, have drunk the Kool-Aid—and I’m fearful they don’t understand what another four-year Trump term could do to our government and our country.
With that said, I’m looking forward to voting day in earnest.
Jackie Weinberg, 53, Chicago, IL, graphic artist, single
The 2024 presidential election is by far the most important one of my lifetime.
This election, I don’t feel as if I’m simply voting for whom I believe will be a better leader and representative for our country, but more so for whom will determine my future as a gay, middle aged, Jewish woman in this country.
Who will fight to preserve my rights as a human being?
Who will fight to protect my right to live freely and to love who I choose to love?
Who will fight to ensure my right to make my own decisions about my own body?
Who will fight to defend and protect me and my fellow Jewish Americans from the rapid and alarming rise of antisemitism?
In 2024, I’m voting for love over hate.
Freedom over oppression.
Equality over homophobia, racism and sexism.
Compassion over cruelty.
Decency over impropriety.
Selflessness over selfishness.
America feels broken. Not only politically speaking, but humanity in general seems off track.
I can’t fathom people wanting to go backwards, to turn the clock back on the progress we’ve made throughout the history of this country. There’s so much more to do, to accomplish—but we’re kept apart by polarizing politics.
We seem to have lost the “united” in the United States.
When, if ever, will we truly have liberty and justice for all?
Dalila Fridi, 54, Flossmoor, IL, data expert, married
The Power of One Vote: My Story
As a Muslim lesbian immigrant, my journey to the ballot box has been one of resilience, courage, and hope.
Voting is not just a civic duty for me; it’s a powerful act of self-affirmation and a testament to the struggles and triumphs of my identity.
Growing up in a conservative Muslim country, I had to hide my identity as a lesbian woman due to societal expectations and fear of rejection.
Immigrating to the U.S. offered hope for authenticity, but brought new challenges like cultural adaptation, discrimination, vilification of immigrants, and complex immigration laws.
Despite these challenges, I found strength in the diverse and vibrant communities around me. I connected with other LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrant groups who shared similar experiences.
These connections were crucial in helping me understand the importance of my voice and my vote.
Voting became a way for me to advocate for policies that protect and uplift marginalized communities, including my own.
The first time I voted (in 2016), I felt a profound sense of empowerment. It was more than just casting a ballot; it was a declaration of my existence and my right to be heard.
I voted for candidates who supported LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant rights, and social justice. Each vote was a step towards a more inclusive and equitable society. And while the election outcome was disappointing, it only strengthened my resolve.
I joined local advocacy groups, attended community meetings, and educated myself on key issues. I also encouraged friends, neighbors, and fellow immigrants to register to vote and recognize the power of their voices.
In the following election, our efforts paid off. We saw a significant increase in voter turnout, especially among marginalized groups. The candidates we supported, who championed inclusivity and justice, won their races.
It was a moment of triumph and validation, proving that our collective efforts could indeed bring about meaningful change.
Through this journey, I learned that setbacks are not the end, but rather opportunities to regroup, strategize, and come back stronger.
Voting is not just a right; it’s a powerful tool for shaping the future.
As a Muslim lesbian immigrant, I’m proud to use my vote to advocate for a world where everyone, regardless of their background or identity, can live with dignity and equality.
In a closely contested election, not voting can have significant consequences.
Abstaining is effectively still a vote, potentially tipping the balance toward a candidate who doesn’t align with your values.
While it can be disheartening to vote for a candidate you’re disappointed with, it might be necessary to prevent a less desirable candidate from winning.
Every vote counts, and in tight races, your absence can inadvertently support the candidate you least prefer.
Therefore, even with imperfect choices, participating in the electoral process is crucial to ensuring that the outcome reflects the collective will of the electorate.
Voting is a powerful tool for change. It is a way to hold leaders accountable and to push for policies that reflect our values and needs.
As a Muslim lesbian immigrant, my vote is a reminder that every voice matters, and every vote counts. It’s a testament to the power of one vote to make a difference, to challenge the status quo, and to pave the way for a brighter future for all.
Kenneth Ludwig, 56, Chicago, IL, interior designer, single
As a proud gay owner of a small business, I’m looking for honesty, integrity, transparency and solutions for the middle class in the upcoming U.S. election.
I need my president, my vice president, my congressman and congresswoman, and my local leaders to understand the needs of operating a small business in regard to taxes, funding and promotion of our business.
The previous president, along with his supporting Congress, did not understand our small business, nor have they done anything to make it succeed. Lies, corruption, high taxes and false practices have done nothing but hurt small businesses in America.
Their tax breaks to only billionaires and large corporations are just one of many proofs that they don’t care about small businesses or the middle class.
A new series of leaders are needed to push America forward, who don’t continue to rely on failed issues of the past. We need positive and upbeat thoughts and actions to finally get rid of the divisive and derogatory attitudes.
Carol Larson, 70, Fitchburg, WI, retired broadcast journalist turned writer, married
This election is important for many reasons, but let me focus on one in particular: Vladimir Putin’s support of Donald Trump.
At a recent banquet following one of Russian President Putin’s and Chinese President Xi’s diplomatic meetings, they raised their glasses and publicly toasted to the demise of democracy.
Few media platforms reported their words, perhaps assuming the two authoritarian leaders had simply indulged in wishful thinking.
But it was not that.
This was the declaration of a common goal which both leaders are actively pursuing. Especially Putin, whose support for Trump is often assumed to be an effort to put a friend and ally back in the White House.
But that isn’t his entire motive. For Putin, supporting Trump is the shortest possible path to accomplishing his goal of undermining—and perhaps destroying—the world’s most influential democracy.
Democracy’s allure of freedom and individual self-determination remains a huge threat to Putin (and China, and Iran, which I’ll get to in a moment). Such leaders go to extraordinarily brutal lengths to maintain a death grip on their own people while expanding their global influence. They move slowly but deliberately to destabilize and then absorb nations at their borders.
But their biggest obstacle to gaining even more power is the U.S.
Putin in particular blames the U.S. for the fall of the Soviet Union, which he’s determined to resurrect. But for him to do that, the U.S. as the main military provider to NATO, the primary defender of Ukraine, and the inspiration for smaller democracies everywhere, must be eliminated.
Yet this threat is one few Americans recognize. Our cultural fixation on the short term—getting to the next election or the next economic report—makes us blind to Putin’s long game.
We obsessively fight our small battles—mostly amongst ourselves—without realizing there is a larger war going on. It’s a war that Putin fights most effectively with propaganda, a weapon perhaps more insidious than any threat of nuclear annihilation.
Recently, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the seizure of 32 domain names linked to Russia’s efforts to influence the U.S. elections. However, reporting about the announcement barely survived beyond a single news cycle before being overshadowed by more absurd U.S. campaign claims.
The Justice Department’s indictment pointed to an American company called Tenet Media, founded by two Russian nationals who were actually employed by RT, Putin’s government-controlled media outlet formally known as Russia Today.
Over the years, Tenet paid $10 million to three pro-Trump media influencers who fed Russian-generated propaganda to their millions of followers in an attempt “to amplify domestic divisions in the United States.”
Notably, one major U.S. broadcaster, Fox, did spend time discussing the Justice Department’s announcement. The network hosted a lengthy discussion about how the indictment was nothing but “lies,” and further proof “you can’t trust the [Biden] government.”
Seen from another angle, the Fox story itself could be considered evidence that Putin’s anti-U.S. propaganda is indeed working. And from that point of view, who better to further undermine U.S. democracy than Fox’s favorite candidate who has already promised that—once he returns to office—he will act just like Putin and other authoritarian leaders.
Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to jail his political rivals, shutter various media outlets and imprison journalists he doesn’t like, begin mass deportations of immigrants, and—if he follows the Project 2025 blueprint his cronies penned for him—close down the U.S. Education Department, the Environmental Protection Agency, sections of the Veterans Administration, and limit government employment to MAGA loyalists.
Like his lies about rigged elections, Trump has so normalized these dictatorial political planks that when mentioned, the news media barely blinks.
To accomplish his goal, all Putin has to do is get this will-be dictator elected. In Russian propaganda lingo, Trump is a polezni durak, or “useful idiot.” As are the Tenet media influencers. They’re all pawns on a Soviet chess board designed to help bring down the one country keeping Putin from achieving his ultimate objective to rebuild a bigger, stronger and more powerful Soviet Union.
And Putin has help—China’s propaganda agencies are as well-funded and experienced in playing the long game.
By comparison, U.S. political party spinmeisters look like distractible children.
Though at the moment China is somewhat pre-occupied playing loan shark to much of Africa, their cyber-divisions continue to undermine the security of both the U.S. government and business networks.
Applicable here is also Iran’s surprise show of support, on the surface, for Vice President Kamala Harris. Likewise skilled at propaganda, Iran’s theocracy would be happy to see the U.S. fall.
Apply the notion that instead of Trump, they think Harris (a woman and Black) is the fastest road to U.S. ruin, and their supposed support is not surprising at all.
Unfortunately, Russia’s long game seems to be working. The fact that almost half the U.S. population supports Trump means it believes the propaganda. And these people don’t believe the present government (as Fox media extols) even when shown proof of Russia’s interference.
When the Russian agents responsible for feeding Tenet Media pro-Trump propaganda were contacted by the U.S. Justice Department, they replied to the indictments by joking about their “Kremlin paychecks.”
Putin’s propaganda machine has brought down governments before, and the agents’ response indicates they are confident they can do it again.
And so, in conclusion, that’s why this election is so important.
Lennice Malina, 73, Bremen, Germany, semi-retired English teacher and language camp director, single
Let me start by simply saying this:
VOTE!
Vote like you’ve never voted before!
And make sure you’re registered: https://www.usa.gov/
Let your voice be heard and counted—but make sure you vote carefully. Because voting for Donald Trump might just deny you the ability to ever vote again.
The 2024 election—the presidential, Senate, House of Representatives, and down-ballot races—is the most crucial U.S. election in decades, if not ever.
Trump is a dangerous threat to democracy, freedom and the U.S. Constitution. All are at stake in this election. A vote for him is a vote of death for the America we all know and love. It’s for a reversal into archaic times.
A vote for Trump is a vote for Trump alone, not for “We the People.” It’s a vote to keep him immune from the numerous crimes he’s committed and already been found guilty of, including many more that are sure to come.
It’s a vote supporting racism, destruction and denial, to name a few.
I beg all of you who are still undecided or are “diehard Republicans” to acquaint yourself with Project 2025. Read it. Listen to it. It’s frightening. Its contents are Trump’s platform: Dictatorship, Control, Separation, Lies, Violence, Hatred. It’s a platform that will ensure the death of the U.S. Constitution, democracy and all human rights.
The Trump government will make all your life’s decisions for you.
But then there’s Kamala Harris’ platform: Democracy, Freedom, Inclusion, Love and Protection of the U.S. Constitution.
Her platform allows for growth—both individually and as a people, for positive/natural transformation, communication, acceptance, self-respect, self-expression, truth, kindness, respect, integrity and community, to name a few.
We, and all organic beings, are born to be free, individual spirits while connected to a whole, with a common longing to be heard, understood and belong. We are born with basic human inalienable rights to be ourselves, to live our lives how we each see fit, and to love and respect others.
We’re not born to be ruled and dictated by others, and by their limited belief systems.
Again, it’s either vote to lose your human rights and be ruled by fear, doom, and destruction—or vote to secure democracy and freedom.
The choice is clear.
VOTE!
Stephanie Haskins, woman of a certain age, Sacramento, CA, journalist, divorced mother of one and grandmother of two
I am terrified.
I’m terrified for both my country and myself.
The thought of Donald John Trump assuming the presidency for a second time is almost more than I can bear. The thought that every goddamn day—from January 20, 2025 to January 20, 2029—would likely be an emotional gut bomb for me is almost more than I can contemplate.
I will once again be addicted to daily national newscasts that will tell me what batshit, insane thing he has said and done, or what he plans to do to destroy most of the causes and people I care about.
Take the environment: Our air will get dirtier again, our water will become more foul again, and the idea of preserving pristine wildlands will be laughed at while he once again rolls back protective regulations.
Or take my already unfairly massive tax bill which, under his plans to destroy Medicare and Social Security, will grow even larger because I will likely have to pay for his welfare-for-billionaires tax cuts and whatever healthcare I might be able to afford.
I also fear for our immigrants who will be rounded up, put in concentration camps, and unceremoniously dumped across our borders.
And I’m especially terrified about what will happen if a national abortion ban is enacted, forcing young girls to either carry a baby they desperately don’t want or find an illegal way to terminate their misbegotten pregnancies.
As a prelude to that, some states that already have abortion bans on the books are actually tracking pregnant women who might want to travel elsewhere to have abortions, and seeking to prosecute them for their un-Godlike temerity to demand agency over their own bodies and future.
Nazi Germany, anyone?
Oh, and before I forget:
I’m a transgender woman, and millions of White, so-called “Christian” conservative Republicans despise me. If they had their druthers, they’d love to see me just disappear.
They want to make my life miserable. They want to make it impossible for me to get specialized health care, erase my rights to exist legally, and deny me government documents that recognize and confirm my existence.
And:
They absolutely want to harm trans kids who are already terrified about who they are— their gender identities, their bodies, their futures.
MAGA people are just fine with making these kids’ lives as horrific as possible by denying them medical support, such as puberty blockers or access to therapeutic care to help ease their anxieties about being different.
Fuck trans kids, they say. Who gives an actual shit about their problems and issues?
And, they add, fuck their families too.
You think I exaggerate?
These MAGA maggots spread absurd lies about kids being forced to have gender confirming surgeries at their schools at the behest of teachers and administrators.
Trump says it.
JD Vance says it.
It’s the foulest of lies and it represents demagoguery at its worst.
Last month, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NCRC) unveiled its first ad for the general election accusing Rep. Vincent Gonzalez (D-Texas) of “pushing sex changes for kids” without parental consent and that tax dollars are supposedly paying for these non-existent surgeries.
In Missouri, Republican candidate Josh Hawley introduced an equally foul ad decrying his opponent’s support of the “radical trans agenda.”
And just weeks before the election, Trump launched a hateful and despicable $17 million anti-trans ad blitz in which an announcer bellows, “Kamala’s agenda is they/them. Not you.” By October 15, the ad had run 24,000 times and been seen an estimated 550 million times.
The ads are deliberate distortions designed to create more anti-trans hysteria.
It’s hard to believe that this poisonous nonsense is actually believed by any rational voter—including Republicans.
But hey, they’re Republicans.
Many on the far-right believe the White race is the only true, decent, viable race, and oh—while we’re at it—maybe let’s slap pink triangle patches on all them pervert-queers.
Again.
So, yes, I’m terrified.
I’m terrified that the America I know will simply vanish forever if Trump is elected again. And that I, as a proud and out and loud transgender woman, might vanish forever as well—I and the other 1.6 million trans people in this country.
We’re strange and embarrassing and disgusting to many, if not most of them. Yet as more and more kids are coming out as transgender and desperately trying to find their places in the world, the Trumps and the Vances in this country are determined to continue demonizing us.
My stomach is more or less in a permanent knot these days.
If elected, Trump will appoint sycophants to his cabinet with no qualifications, skills, or talent, but who are committed to the horrors of the Federalist Society’s apocalyptic Project 2025. The goal is to turn our democracy into a theocracy managed by an old, demented criminal—a traitor who is hellbent on installing himself as a dictator for life.
I desperately hope that common sense, reason and sanity will prevail, and that Herr Trump and his minions will be humiliated in defeat once again—forced to slink back into the shadows.
Most importantly, however, I truly hope this election won’t turn out to be the death of me.
Literally.
Barb Pignato, 62, Skokie, IL, registered nurse, single
For me, this election is about protecting our democracy for all—not just the few. It’s the most important election of my lifetime because we need to save our country and our democracy from the self-proclaimed revenge-seeking dictatorship of Donald Trump, and his extreme-right policies and beliefs, including Project 2025. What’s most important to me is protecting our civil rights, including women’s health, our right to choose, and—of utmost importance—the need to reinstate Roe v. Wade as federal law.
Aaron Stillwell, 56, Sacramento, CA, field manager for AARP, married
The 2024 election feels more existential than past elections because the stakes for democracy are incredibly high.
Fundamental democratic principles, such as the rule of law, free and fair elections, and the protection of individual rights are under threat by the Republican candidate and his supporters.
The divisiveness in political discourse has reached unprecedented levels, leading to concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and institutions, especially surrounding the conservative Project 2025.
Additionally, issues like misinformation, voter suppression and foreign interference have heightened fears about the integrity of the electoral process, even though the courts declared our last presidential election free of fraud.
As a result, this election is seen not just as a choice between different policies or candidates, but as a critical juncture that could determine the future direction of the country’s democratic system.
Jan Parks, 76, Bloomington, MN, retired teacher, married mother of one, grandmother of two
On the first day of early voting in Minnesota, I made sure I was there at my polling place in the morning, along with a surprising number of other early voters. I always like to vote early, but this year it was more meaningful than ever as I cast my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
I’m passionate about this ticket because I know that Harris and Walz will fight to protect the reproductive rights of both women and men. They’ll also fight to protect us from the extremist agenda that the Republicans are offering this year, Project 2025.
Project 2025 is a lengthy document that has many dangerous initiatives. This MAGA plan would eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. Most folks have no idea what this department does. It’s a cabinet-level department that distributes and monitors federal money to public schools.
As a retired career teacher, I’m shocked that Republican extremists would even consider eliminating the Department of Education; this would cripple our public schools that are already underfunded. Public schools level the playing field and give our children a fighting chance for a decent education and a meaningful life.
I want public education to continue to thrive and improve for all children, including my two bright and beautiful granddaughters. Like most grandparents, I want all good things for my grandchildren. I want them to have good schools. And I want their schools to be safe from the gun violence that’s terrifying parents and grandparents throughout our land.
I want my granddaughters to have reproductive choice. I want them to learn to reject the paralyzing fear that extremists are trying to sell regarding LGBTQ+ adults and children. I want them to embrace racial and religious diversity. I want them to learn about our planet and what they can do to save it.
I also want them to never have to endure the lunacy of politicians who promote false and sickening internet tropes with no credible evidence.
I want them to escape the censorship of books that our public school teachers and librarians have deemed appropriate for young readers.
Harris and Walz know and understand the extreme dangers of the far-right and they reject its orthodoxy. We as American citizens have the awesome responsibility of standing with them to save democracy for ourselves, and for all generations to come.
After I accepted my responsibility and voted for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, I slept better that night.
But I won’t sleep soundly until Harris and Walz are declared the winners of this election.
Bill Natale, 74, Chicago, IL, producer/actor/author
I was taught as a boy that my voting rights were sacrosanct. In my family, everyone was expected to register and cast a ballot in city, county, state and federal elections.
It was the “right thing to do, the civic thing to do”—a duty, a power, a privilege. Skipping election day was pretty much unthinkable.
One might argue that today’s polarized, partisan divide has tainted the once revered stature of an American election. Simply put, the 2024 vote count will affirm if we believe in facts, and in the integrity of the processes that count our ballots.
Claims were made that the last presidential election was riddled with breaches in the electoral process, requiring 62 courts across the nation to independently review the allegations. They determined that the election was indeed conducted fairly and in accordance with the U.S. Constitution.
Many of the jurists who heard the claims were supporters of the incumbent, and yet they failed to rule in favor of the plaintiffs; his campaign couldn’t clearly show or provide proof of election fraud or interference, despite a rapid spread of disinformation, lies, and conspiracy theories that spread across the internet and into the homes and minds of those who didn’t want to accept the results.
Time will tell if the same level of chaos repeats four years later. But for now, let’s all just go out and vote. It’s the one indisputable way we can actually make America great—by participating in the 248-year-old process that ensures our cherished freedom.
Again, it’s our duty, our power, our privilege, and our sacrosanct right.
Dante Ingram, 53, Chicago, IL, IT compliance consultant and musician/artist, married
This election matters to me as a parent of two teenagers because I want them to be able to vote in the elections after this one, and have their voices count.
This election matters to me as a queer married woman because I want all LGBTQ+ people to have the opportunity to be with the one they love and receive the same legal and tax benefits as everyone else in the country.
This election matters to me as an artist because I would rather make art and music than spend all of my free time going to the protests that will need to occur if the U.S. slides into authoritarian rule.
This election matters to me as a woman (who only was able to carry a child due to IVF) because I want all women to have choices about whether to give birth and how to become pregnant.
The United States is long overdue for a female president who will protect the rights of all people in the country, not just those who are “loyal” to her.
Kamala Harris will ensure that women have bodily autonomy. She will ensure that rights are protected for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community.
She will ensure that our democracy not only endures, but is strengthened.
Anne Lehocky, 46, Chicago, IL, social worker, married
We’ve had important elections before. But this election is vital to the rule of law.
Once again, a blatant fraud is being propped up by a major U.S. political party.
During Trump’s presidency, a sexual predator and right-wing fanatics were appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
And now, the people pushing for Trump to return to power don’t value labor, human rights, or diplomacy.
Seeing the basic right to bodily autonomy being taken away scares me, as I know that same line of thinking would invalidate my marriage.
I want to live in a country that lets me love openly, work a safe job that provides my basic needs, and helps the most vulnerable among us.
Harris and Walz represent hope for a future that benefits us all.
Mark Porth, 63, Plymouth, MN, retired IT architect, married father of two
This year’s election holds immense significance for several reasons, particularly in relation to individual liberties, reproductive rights, the nation’s international standing, and the importance of fact-based decision-making.
At the heart of any democracy is the protection of individual liberties and this election presents a pivotal moment where these liberties are being actively debated with voters making decisions that will shape the nation’s trajectory. Issues such as freedom of speech, the right to privacy, and the balance between security and personal freedoms have become central concerns.Voters are being asked to decide how far government powers should extend into personal lives and how much freedom they’re willing to sacrifice for the sake of security or political agendas.
Reproductive rights have also emerged as a key issue in this election. In recent years, there’s been a surge in legislative efforts to restrict access to abortion and contraception. These efforts represent a direct challenge to the reproductive rights established by Roe v. Wade and other landmark decisions, which have historically protected an individual’s right to choose. The outcome of this election will likely determine whether these protections are preserved or eroded, with far-reaching consequences for bodily autonomy, gender equality and healthcare access for millions of people.
The United States’ international standing is another critical aspect of this election. Over recent years, the country’s foreign policy has seen drastic shifts, leading to questions about its global leadership and alliances. International respectability is closely tied to how the U.S. engages with the world, upholds democratic principles, and addresses global challenges such as climate change, human rights and international security. This election is also a referendum on how the country will reassert itself on the global stage—whether as a reliable ally and advocate for democratic values or as a nation retreating into isolation and unilateralism.
Lastly, the emphasis on fact-based decision-making is vital in an era of rampant misinformation. This election is a test of voters’ ability to cut through the noise of propaganda and base their decisions on evidence and informed understanding. Leaders who prioritize truth, science and accountability will play a crucial role in navigating complex issues like the Covid pandemic, economic recovery and social justice reforms.
In short, the choices we make in this election will shape everything from personal freedoms to the way the world sees us. It’s a big deal, and what happens next will no doubt affect the U.S. and all Americans for generations.
So, vote.
Kim Skrundz, 54, La Grange Park, IL, travel planner, married
Like so many, this election is critical to me as it gives the people of this country the opportunity to repel the hate and divisiveness that has plagued this country for the past 8+ years.
As a proud member of the LBGTQ+ community, I want to do my part to protect the rights that could be taken away from the people I love, and to protect my marriage as well.
In fact, protecting the rights of all people is my primary concern.
I have a large family, with both young children and young adults, so I’m supporting candidates who will fight for the environment, focus on climate change, and combat the efforts that threaten to damage and destroy the health of our planet.
I want to live in a country, and a world, that values love, inclusivity and environmental change. I want to feel proud to be an American, and to put an end to the forces trying to divide us.
Every voice counts, every vote counts. We are not going back.
Kathy Minnis, 49, Plainfield, IL, technology executive, married
Maya Angelou famously said, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
Donald Trump clearly showed us who he is during his first term. He’s a self-serving, lying felon and a treasonous bully. He demonstrated that time and again—most dramatically by refusing to adhere to the democratic cornerstone of a peaceful transfer of power and inciting the January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol insurrection.
And now, the very fabric of our democracy depends on us believing that he has shown us who he is and, as a country, categorically rejecting that type of America.
As a woman, the upcoming election holds profound significance for me. My bodily autonomy is non-negotiable, and the policies and leadership we choose will have a direct impact on all women’s rights and freedoms.
It’s also crucial to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, especially gay marriage and transgender rights, which are currently under attack.
But this election is not just about political preferences; it’s about safeguarding the fundamental principles of equality and justice for which our nation stands. It’s not merely a contest between political parties–it’s a battle for the soul of our nation.
Whoever wins, we must move beyond being adversaries and work towards uniting as a country. All of the challenges we face, from economic inequality to climate change, require collective action and a commitment to the common good. It’s time to move past division and work together to build a better future for all.
Mary Alice O’Connor, 71, Verona, WI, retired government affairs lobbyist, divorced mother of two, grandmother of two
I went to see two of the most well-known and respected female politicians in the country speak last month in my hometown of Madison, Wisconsin, and their words are still resonating with me now as the 2024 election rapidly approaches.
“Character matters,” said former U.S. House of Representatives Congresswoman Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming). “And if you wouldn’t hire him to watch your grandchildren or your dogs, he certainly is not someone fit to be president.” She was referring to former President Donald Trump.
The mostly liberal audience gave Cheney a standing ovation as she was introduced, but she quickly reminded everyone, “I am still a conservative Republican and I look forward to the day you are booing me again.”
Then, in no uncertain words, she said, “What matters now is country over party.” She said she never thought she’d see the day when both she and her own father, Dick Cheney—a staunch, life-long, ultra-conservative Republican who served as Vice President under former President George W. Bush—would endorse a Democrat, Kamala Harris.
Why? Because both Cheneys believe Trump has hijacked the Republican party. It’s no longer the party of Abe Lincoln, she said. “The GOP is now the party of only one man—Trump.”
She then pointed out that Trump has stated numerous times now that he doesn’t need the Constitution. “He has not agreed he will uphold the oath to our Constitution if he’s elected,” she said. “Trump does not believe any rules apply to him.”
Yet we all know the Constitution is the backbone of our still-relatively young democracy. By design, our founding fathers created a structure so that no dictator or aristocratic ruler could prevail.
Cheney didn’t stop there. “Let’s remember, he invited Putin to invade our neighbors,” she said, “and he continues to advance lies and create animosity, bigotry and antisemitism among Americans. Donald Trump is unstable, and incredibly desperate and depraved. He continues with baseless claims that he didn’t lose the election to Joe Biden and that our elections are only valid if he likes the results.”
She pointed out that Trump has already started his “stop the steal” messaging again, with more lies about fraudulent electors, and that he’s made no secret about his desire to punish those who oppose him. “Given his erratic behaviors and desire for revenge,” Cheney said, “what else will he do? How far will he go?”
Also addressing the forum I attended was House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) who said she believes part of the reason she was so successful as Speaker is because she would consistently ask her fellow House Democrats one specific question: “What is your why?”
She’d persist, saying, “Why do you act on certain beliefs? Why do you believe what you believe? Once you know, then stand firm on your values and fight for them. Stand your ground. Then bring people together, don’t divide them. But, always know your why.”
Both women have unparalleled political courage, incredible patriotism, and a deep love for the United States. But they don’t want praise. They want action.
Cheney urged everyone to reflect on “who is going to be the serious person to uphold the Constitution and all it represents.” Think this through when you vote, she said. “Election deniers, who will only support the final election results if they agree with them, should never be allowed to prevail.”
Pelosi told us, “Have a plan to vote on November 5 or absentee before that day, and know your why. Then defend it.” She pointed to a pin on her lapel, saying it was inscribed with the words Abraham Lincoln had sewn on the inside of his coat the night he was assassinated: “One country, one destiny.”
Years ago someone told me, “Bad politicians are elected by good people who don’t vote.” Today, each vote from every American has never mattered more. The survival of the Republic is at risk. Our democracy depends on all of us. As Cheney and Pelosi represent, never before has there been a more diverse coalition of Americans from both major parties urging us to choose decency over chaos, and democracy over one man who wants to be accountable to no one but himself.
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