Elections
I’m almost 29, but yesterday was my first time voting. It felt surreal, especially since I grew up in a family where voting is a sacred duty. My dad is passionate about Indian politics, and voting is non-negotiable for him.
For me, though, life didn't work out that way. Since I turned 18, I haven’t stayed in one place long enough to vote. I spent four years in Jodhpur, but my voting location was in Vadodara. Then, I moved to the U.S. in 2018, but I couldn’t vote here, and I was never in India during elections. I became a U.S. citizen this year, so yesterday was finally my first chance to participate.
As I walked back from the polling booth, a mix of pride and shame set in. I had waited so long to vote, yet I took this responsibility lightly -
- I wasn’t prepared. Apart from the presidential race, I had no idea what else was on the ballot. I encountered six amendments, plus choices for Congress and judges, and I picked candidates and issues almost at random. I’m not proud of this.
- I didn’t research the presidential candidates either. I lean Democratic, but I realized I was voting mostly based on assumptions and preconceived notions, not informed understanding.
Why? I think it comes down to privilege. I’m lucky enough that election outcomes—whether here or in India—rarely disrupt my day-to-day life. I might feel disappointed for a day when the result goes the other way, I watch a few YouTube videos, and then move on, forgetting about it for the next four years.
After voting, I decided to research the key issues to see if my choices aligned with my values:
- Economy: I lean Republican. I support fewer regulations and prefer a free-market approach.
- Immigration: I lean Republican here, too—I support stronger borders and stricter immigration policies.
- Abortion rights: On this, I side with Democrats.
- Climate change: Again, I agree with Democrats. Climate change is undeniably real and urgent.
- Foreign policy: I lean Republican, as I question heavy U.S. involvement abroad.
The result? Three out of five issues where I align with Republican policies. And yet, I just can’t support Trump. His actions and words violate some of my core principles, so he’s a line I can’t cross.