The election season is upon us, and citizens are casting their votes nationwide as we anticipate one of the most intense elections in recent American history.

Current polls indicate a tight race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, suggesting that voter turnout will be historic.

We’re about to find out what direction voters want for our nation. Whether we like it or not, choosing a candidate demonstrates our support for everything they represent.

Voting for Trump means endorsing all aspects of him and his MAGA movement. Opting for Harris indicates support for her record in office and her progressive ideals. Keeping this in mind, I asked YSL News Opinion columnists from Gen Z to share their perspectives on what supporting Trump or Harris communicates about a voter’s values.

Dace Potas, who leans conservative, will discuss what voting for Harris conveys. On the other hand, Sara Pequeño, a progressive, will explain what voting for Trump signifies.

If You Vote for Harris, You’re Accepting Failed Immigration Strategies and Increasing Progressive Policies.

By supporting Vice President Kamala Harris, you are affirming her record over the past four years. You’re backing a continuation of the ongoing immigration crisis, questionable economic policies, and four more years of unclear foreign relations.

All the progressive initiatives from the Biden administration that have hurt his approval ratings are likely to continue under Harris, and could even worsen due to her more extreme history.

Harris has been a crucial part of the political establishment that obscured Biden’s declining abilities from the public. By acknowledging the president’s incapacity to run for re-election, it seems clear that Harris had a more significant role in the administration than previously thought.

While I believe Trump is a genuine threat to America, I see Harris as posing an equal danger. Our foreign adversaries are aggressively extending their reach, taking steps against our allies. Domestically, the economy is squeezing the budgets of working-class Americans. The border is overwhelmed, and Harris has been part of the administration that has failed to provide effective solutions for four years.

Even those on the left, Harris’ core supporters, may find it hard to reconcile her moderation as an Israel-supporting, gun-owning, pro-police Democrat.

Harris has altered her positions dramatically to the point that her backers from the 2020 campaign would struggle to identify her current platform.

I won’t cast my vote for either Trump or Harris. Although I strongly oppose Trump and believe he should not hold public office, I find no incentive to vote for Harris given the Democrats’ lack of viable alternatives.

I recognize the motivation to vote against Trump, but those backing Harris need to come to terms with what they’re really supporting: another four years of ineffective policies both at home and globally.

Voting for Trump Means You’re Accepting Election Falsehoods and a Felon as President

Having been surrounded by Republicans my whole life, I understand that some within the GOP will dismiss my views on Trump. However, I believe there’s a broader faction of the party that is fully aware of the implications a second Trump term would have on both the nation and their political party.

I know many of you may remember parts of Trump’s presidency positively or at least acceptably. As you head to vote, I urge you to reflect on who Trump really is. Should you choose to vote for him, at least acknowledge that your vote aligns with everything he stands for.

In 2019, Trump faced impeachment for pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to investigate a political rival. He has since shifted blame to Zelenskyy for Russia’s invasion.

During his tenure, Trump has not only failed to fully support Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict but has also shown admiration for Russian leader Vladimir Putin. He welcomed Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán to Mar-a-Lago and asserted that he has a good relationship with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.

By the end of his presidency, Trump left behind a persistent COVID-19 crisis, which resulted in the deaths of 400,000 Americans. He played a role in inciting the attack on the U.S. Capitol during the final days of his term, which led to several fatalities, including police officers. Despite this, he referred to the insurrection as “peaceful” and continues to deny that he lost the 2020 election.

Moreover, Trump appointed three Supreme Court justices who contributed to the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, a decision he has boasted about.

In May, a New York jury found him guilty on 34 felony charges related to falsifying business records, marking him as a convicted felon.

Supporting Trump means endorsing his tariff strategy, which experts warn might damage the global economy and burden consumers. It’s also a vote for elements of Project 2025, a lengthy Heritage Foundation proposal for a potential second Trump administration, which he claims to be unaware of.

This doesn’t even cover the rise in the racist and hateful rhetoric Trump’s camp appears to believe voters want to hear.

A vote for Trump is essentially a vote for another four years of turmoil. It raises questions about whether the nation can endure such a term.

Ultimately, voters will determine the next president

After a prolonged period of being told what to fear and which presidential contender poses the greatest threat to the nation’s future, it is time for voters to make their choices.

Will voters opt for Kamala Harris and her progressive vision? Or will Trump reclaim the presidency along with his MAGA ideals? We will soon see how voters assess these candidates and which ones they genuinely support.

The moment to decide has arrived. Just be clear about what your choice says about you.