Since the founding of our country, freedom has been an essential value to the American people. Built upon principles of democracy, our country has withstood the test of time, triumphing as a republic despite all odds. However, that democracy which has been so precariously protected is at stake. Tonight, former President Donald Trump will face Vice President Kamala Harris in what is the most critical election of our lifetime. To preserve democracy, choose the patriotic choice. Trump’s campaign is one of hate and fear-mongering. As Harris said, we are not going back.

Each candidate has campaigned feverishly over the past few months, drawing clear lines between the campaigns. There is no doubt that the election will be a close one. But it shouldn’t be. Trump is a convicted felon, and Harris will preserve democracy. The democratic choice for president is Harris.

The choice is clear: Democracy or dynasty? Freedom or fascism?

A second Trump presidency may include the fall of our democracy. Trump has said multiple times that if he is re-elected, no one will need to ‘vote again,’ indicating that a dynasty of his own making will be implemented. He strives for complete control of the government, and if the government becomes fully Republican, there is no stopping him. He has also mentioned the potential for eliminating political rivals who he refers to as ‘enemies within’ who follow ideologies of the “radical left,” such as Nancy Pelosi. This in itself should be extremely alarming. Trump has been spreading hate and corruption for years, and another presidency will only see this continue to happen.

However, hate isn’t the only thing that will continue to spread during another Trump presidency. The continued development of Project 2025 is a threat to American freedom and democracy. It details many concerning aspects that Trump plans to implement if he were to be elected again. According to their website, Project 2025 includes the deportation of “illegal aliens” (a racial slur for immigrants) from the border. If that wasn’t horrific enough, it also details a national abortion ban, which would further Trump’s abortion ban and eliminate a woman’s ability to choose to have an abortion. In other words, more women will continue to die under Trump’s administration. For the future generations to come, I urge you to vote for the candidate that endorses bodily autonomy.

If I haven’t convinced you that Trump is corrupt yet, he’s also said numerous times that he will be a “dictator on day one.” Our country has valiantly fought for centuries to keep democracy in place, and it is clear that Trump intends to tear it down. Not only has he pledged to be a dictator on his first day in office, he has also said that Hitler “did some good things,” It is incredibly alarming that a presidential candidate seems to admire a man who caused millions of deaths and spread his corrupt ideologies. When Trump says he’s going to be a dictator who wants to have army generals like Hitler did, we need to believe him.

Harris is a president for the people. She has outlined a clear plan for her presidency, one that involves cutting taxes for middle-class families, codifying abortion and tackling the climate crisis. Cutting taxes isn’t the only way Harris plans to bolster the middle class. She also plans to lower food and grocery costs, lower the cost of major prescription drugs (such as insulin) and help Americans purchase homes and pay rent. Not only will Harris work to improve middle-class family’s lives, she will diligently work to codify abortion into law, reversing the overturning of Roe V. Wade. A woman’s right to abortion will be safe under her administration, unlike Trump. Finally, Harris recognizes the dire situation our planet is in, and strives to do her part by putting the United States on a path to cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030. A Harris presidency will not only benefit women but also the planet. Trump will only reverse the progress that has already been made.

Overall, we can trust Harris to put the country above her own beliefs and to work with her administration for the betterment of our democracy and planet. Trump does not have the country at the forefront of his campaign; instead, he is focused on his own selfish desire for total control.

On this Election Day, I hope to see our country choose the most democratic candidate. Consider not only the generations currently in politics but also the future generations who will feel the impacts of this election. Each vote matters.

If you don’t think your voice matters in the election, it does. Each vote counts towards the promise of a better future under Harris’s administration. To save democracy, vote for Harris.

I implore upon you one last time: Democracy or dynasty? Freedom or fascism? The choice is yours, so get out there and make your voice heard.

Here is a resource which shows the polling locations in the local area.

https://co.lancaster.pa.us/319/Polling-Locations

The Township Times does not endorse any candidate.