I registered to vote at the beginning of October with no idea of who I would vote for or how I would even cast my ballot from campus. The differences in what each candidate stands for are too far apart for me to feel comfortable making one single decision.
This is the first election I’ve had the opportunity to vote in. With the choices being as single-minded as they are, I have no idea where to even begin the process of determining who deserves my support.
On one hand, I could vote for a right-leaning former president who is now a convicted felon and has been running or in office since I was in fifth grade. On the other hand, I could vote for a left-leaning seasoned politician who is also our current vice president.
Growing up, I was constantly told that all politicians were liars and untrustworthy. Moving out allowed me to form my own opinions on controversial topics and politicians. My family aligns politically on one side, while my friends and social media allowed me to see other political perspectives.
My household was fairly conservative and religious, therefore, I was first exposed to right-leaning opinions. Some of those ideals have stayed with me as I started to form my own opinions, but I have also branched out toward more liberal viewpoints.
My main reason for remaining undecided is my opinions on some major controversial topics: abortion, gun violence and immigration are not accurately represented by either party, which makes me weary of each side. My opinion is very moderate, and both candidates lean too far on their respective sides for me to agree with either.
It is important to remember that the United States was built on the principle of separation of church and state. The majority of people against abortion are basing their opinions on their religion. The government should not be able to enforce religious concepts on us when we supposedly have freedom of religion.
My opinion on abortion is not represented because I believe abortion should be a personal choice made between the woman and her doctor. However, the environment I grew up in influenced me to disagree with abortion. While I disagree with some abortion cases, I do not think the government should have an input in what women choose to do with their reproductive health.
Similarly, immigration has been a part of political discussions for the entirety of my life. I think our borders need to be regulated, but not as strictly as former President Donald Trump wishes and not as loosely as the Democratic Party stands for.
America claims to be the biggest and best country, with freedom and opportunities available for all. If new people are not let into our country, how can we claim to be proud of our freedom and the extra opportunities our country has to offer? Yet, if we let everyone and anyone into our country, we would be risking our safety. It is a dilemma I do not believe either party has properly addressed.
Another safety issue is gun violence, something that definitely needs to be addressed in our country. However, there are different ways to go about regulating the problem. We should have stricter gun laws, but not lose the right to own them all together. I agree that we need to lessen the frequency of shootings in America, but I also believe that we should have the ability to protect ourselves if needed.
On top of the difficult decision I have to make, the process of voting with an absentee ballot requires me to make my decision a few weeks earlier than normal for the ballot to arrive at my county’s board of elections on time. Thankfully, I have applied for an absentee ballot to be mailed to campus rather than the address I am registered to vote with, which will make the voting process easier while I am at school.
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Despite being undecided, I am still going to vote because I want the decision I eventually make to count towards something. This is my first chance to express my opinions in an election. No matter who I end up deciding, I want my voice to be heard.
Jamie Gowans is a first-year student in the Farmer School of Business. She is a marketing major with a history minor. She is a first-year writer for The Miami Student and in the Emerging Leaders LLC.
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