In just a few days, I will turn 18—a milestone that has long symbolized freedom, independence, and the weight of new responsibilities. Many people see it as a time when they begin making important life choices, such as choosing a career path or going to college. However, one of the most significant responsibilities of this new chapter in my life is the ability to vote. With my first ballot on hand, the weight of this moment settles in. I found myself pausing to consider the future I want, the issues that matter to me, and the kind of leadership I believe the country needs. After watching the presidential debate this week, I realized the choice is clear: I am voting for Kamala Harris.
I was raised in a family where conservative values shape our discussions, like the frequent debates about less government and lower taxes, which are common at the dinner table during my weekly visits with my grandparents. It’s the kind of talk I have grown up with. But now, as I prepare to cast my vote for the first time, I find myself in uncharted territory. I am not walking into the booth with a party label; I will vote for a leader who engages in solutions, not just toss around vague ideas. I am voting for a leader who sees immigrants as people, not criminals. I am voting for someone with a concrete plan, not a “concept of a plan.”
One issue that I care deeply about is women’s reproductive rights. The freedom to make decisions about my own body. The thought of someone else deciding what I can or cannot do with my body feels like a loss of control over my life. Kamala Harris has consistently fought to protect women’s right to choose for themselves. When she speaks about preserving a woman’s right to choose, it is more than a political stance. In Harris, I see someone who is not just talking about freedom but actively preserving it.
Another pressing concern for me is the Israel-Palestine conflict. The haunting images of
bombings in Gaza - buildings reduced to rubble, families torn apart, and children dying, has left an indelible mark on me. These aren’t just headlines; they represent the human cost of conflict that has persisted for decades. When Dr. Boduszynski, who is a professor of politics and international relations, visited my Facing Global Challenges class to discuss the Israel-Palestine conflict, he posed a very important question: Why does the United States care about global affairs? The first thought that came to mind was to keep the peace. It felt instinctive. America as a world power is often tied to maintaining stability worldwide. But as our discussion evolved, I began to realize that it goes just beyond peace. It is about fostering alliances, ensuring economic stability, and confronting global threats. During the recent presidential debate, Harris’s stance was clear. While she defended Israel’s right to defend itself in light of the ongoing war with Hamas, she also advocated for the need for a lasting solution, emphasizing her support for a two-state solution. Her approach demonstrates a leader who navigates complex global issues with empathy and long-term vision.
I have done my research, and I have made my choice. As I prepare to cast my vote for the first time, I hope that my generation can inspire those who come after us to make their voices heard.
Sources:
Knutson, Jacob. "What Overturning Roe v. Wade Could Mean for Native American Women." Axios, 21 May 2022, www.axios.com/2022/05/21/roe-native-american-women.
Riechmann, Deb, and Zeke Miller. "Poll: Most Americans Fear Broader Conflict May Arise from War Between Israel and Hamas." PBS NewsHour, 13 Sept. 2023, www.pbs.org/newshour/world/poll-most-americans-fear-broader-conflict-may-arise-from-war-between-israel-and-hamas.
PBS News Hour. "Harris and Trump debate — PBS News simulcast of ABC’s 2024 Presidential Debate." YouTube, 9 Sept. 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucVj8q0nOmo
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