By the Alliance Interns Newsletter Team
There’s one thing that both sides of the political aisle agree upon: this is perhaps the most consequential election of our lives. At the Alliance we’ve had numerous discussions about what has been taking place and feel it’s important for people to hear the wide range of deep feelings and perspectives that our college and graduate school student interns have.
The Non-Negotiables – 20 years old from New Jersey
In all honesty, I am very anxious and frustrated about the upcoming election. This is the first presidential election I can participate in and it feels like it’ll be one of the most important in my lifetime. The amount of misinformation and hatred spreading through the media has created such a huge divide between voters, making it harder for us to come together on debates like this.
Issues like ceasefires, reproductive rights, healthcare, educational rights, and just basic human and environmental rights are non-negotiable for me. To have years of legislation undone, coupled with the potential implementation of something as scary as Project 2025, utterly blows my mind — I am deeply concerned for our future.
I do hold hope, however, that our country will come together to protect each other and our rights. My biggest fear is that those who feel disappointed by both Presidential candidates will choose not to vote at all, which lowers our chances of making the meaningful and beneficial changes we desperately need. Instead, I encourage everyone to do their research and pick the candidate that best supports ALL people.
Don’t Underestimate Us – 21 years old from Oregon
My generation has inherited a lot of problems. We also carry a lot of stress – it is estimated that 42% of the Gen Z population has a diagnosed mental health condition, according to a study done by Harmony Healthcare. The stress, sadness and hopelessness I and so many other people I know feel has morphed into anger that I’m turning into action.
This upcoming election is the first in which I will be able to vote. I was so bummed when I heard it would be Biden v. Trump on the presidential ballot, leading to another 4 years with the same old white male leaders. I wanted something fresh! Something that felt like I could take a deep breath knowing that we have at least one solid option for a leader for this country. So, when Biden dropped out of the race and Kamala Harris was announced as the new candidate, I was thrilled. I smiled. I never smile when I think about politics.
I am voting for Kamala and I know a lot of other people my age are, too. This election season has really opened my eyes to how Gen Z is feeling about the state of this country and it has, in a way, invigorated me. Our Earth is heating up, fast. We don’t have a lot of time left as a species to work out our differences and fix the problems we’ve created. If we don’t act now, most of the earth will become uninhabitable for humans within our lifespans. That is unacceptable.
Voting Despite Being Disillusioned with the 2-Party System – 20 years old from New Jersey
Like many of my fellow interns, this is the first presidential election I can vote in. And just like many of my peers, I will almost definitely find myself voting for Kamala Harris in November.
There’s a lot of issues I consider important to me: the environment, climate change, equity, healthcare, and more. I also want an immediate end to the genocide in Palestine. I’d love for my country to not be an active participant in an exceedingly clear and well documented genocide. This is one of the main reasons why I wouldn’t say I’m excited for Kamala Harris as a candidate. I know another Trump presidency would be incredibly destructive towards every value I have. If Harris is elected I’ll definitely feel relieved, but I don’t see myself celebrating.
I think there are a lot of people disillusioned by the two party system. Many people see their votes as counting towards a lesser evil, not a great cause they’re excited about. If there is one positive thing to take from the current state of politics, it’s that it makes me want to do more. I want to be a more active participant in voting in elections of all levels, I want to get organized, and I want to do more work for my communities.
Vote for Sustainability – 20 years old
The election is an important event for our country as we have to think critically of which candidate is capable of ruling our country and solving ongoing problems. When I vote, I know I have the power to shape our future. I want a President who is an advocate of sustainability, desires a brighter and equal future for all humans, and protects the rights and security of all people. Do I know who is capable of this? From the jump, of course I did: Kamala Harris.
Human rights should be the number one priority of protection and security for ALL humans living in this country starting from the day they are conceived, yet that does not seem to be a priority today. I am confident that Kamala will protect our human rights starting with the fight to protect the reproductive rights of women as well as create a more equitable economic life for ALL HUMANS, not just some.
Many of the people living in America are doing so much for our country, from agricultural work and economic growth to improving the health of individuals. Why do we need to get rid of any of them? Won’t that destroy our living situations? As you think about who to vote for, not only should you follow your gut, but please be mindful about sustainability in health, equity, kindness and a better tomorrow for yourself and others.
Protecting Our Human Rights – 23 years old from Minnesota
When Trump announced his candidacy for President in 2024, my family and I applied for passports the next day. You may think this is dramatic and unnecessary, but living as an LGBTQ+ woman in the US with Trump as President is dangerous.
If he wins the Presidency again, I stand to lose reproductive rights, health care access, protections against discrimination, and the ability to marry and build a life with the person I choose. I will leave the country before losing more of my human rights because of Donald Trump.
I am terrified about this upcoming election. I am terrified about the future of this country, but Kamala Harris’ run for presidency has brought hope for me. I believe she can create impactful change for LGBTQ+ rights, genocide, climate change, and healthcare access, all issues that are extremely important to me. There are a lot of problems facing Americans, and electing Kamala Harris won’t solve them all, but it will protect our fundamental rights, the environment, and the world from another Trump presidency.