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US President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden are fighting for the presidency in a deeply divided America.
Trump has focused on “law and order”; Biden has been trying to get a conciliatory note. The Black Lives Matter movement, and whether Trump will release his taxes, are among the many issues that Americans will consider when choosing their president.
As the close elections approach, Al Jazeera has been speaking to voters across the United States, asking nine questions to understand who they support and why.
Katherine (Kati) Elizabeth Vera Chávez
Age: 29
Occupation: Full-time graduate student, writing tutor, and State Department intern
Residence: Rockland County, New York
Voted in 2016 by: Hillary Clinton
Will vote in 2020 for: Joe Biden
Elections main subject: Treatment of migrants at the border
Will you vote? Why or why not?
“Oh, 100 percent, I will vote, and I will vote because one, I think it is one of the most important civic duties that we have as citizens, and two, a lot depends on this vote in terms of rights for all kinds of minorities. And I fall into many categories of that, so it will be directly applicable to me. “
What is your number one problem?
“Honestly, while climate change is important, it is sure to affect everyone. I think for me right now, it’s about migrants and the horrible things that are happening to them at the border. The missing children, the battered women, all Latinas. And history repeats itself in camps like that. For me, it is a much more immediate and ongoing problem that needs to be addressed. And climate change is big. Don’t get me wrong, we’re all doomed [with] that. But I’m caught between those two. “
Who are you voting for?
“I’m going to vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.”
Is there a main reason why you chose your candidate?
“While it was not my first choice, I think this is still the winning horse. I think of all the other parties that oppose the Republicans, as much as they may not always agree with democratic ideals and principles, I believe they have the money, the power and the means to combat the structure that is the Republican Party. comparatively to any other third party – Libertarian, Green or whatever. It’s the best option, even if you’re not 100% happy with it. “
Are you happy with the state of the country?
“I think the majority of responses from Americans would say no, and I agree there is a lot to work on.”
“However, one day I am studying to be a foreign service officer. And that means that I will have to go to other countries to promote America and our national interests. So the stance I took is that because I love and believe in this country and everything that has been given to my immigrant family, I think this country is still worth saving, even if I don’t think it’s in good shape. right now.”
What would you like to see changed?
“Amplification of minority voices and an amplification of community on individualistic concepts.
“This is very American like, ‘get on yourself,’ but also, the advantage of that coin is that we don’t care enough about your neighbor. And we need to make sure we take care of everyone, not just you. And that will come from education, from teaching kindness, open communication between all sides of each spectrum. And then, communication and education, I think they are at the forefront of how we are going to be able to heal as a country, as a people ”.
Do you think the elections will change anything?
“I mean, you can’t vote without a little hope that it will.
“At the very least, I don’t think the people, the majority of the people who vote for Biden, are thinking that he is going to make some kind of radical change. I think they just hope things get back to normal … As much as the Democrats hated the Bush era, there was still a bit of decorum and respect for their fellow American, the non-partisan American.
“That is why I believe that many people, although they do not expect any [Senator] Bernie [Sanders] change: they want things to calm down a bit. This has been a really difficult year and I think everyone wants to feel a bit stable.
What is your biggest concern for the United States?
“Honestly, domestic healing. If I can think of the United States as a person, they first need to fix whatever is inside of them, like the dimensions of racism, the dimensions of minority rights, the dimensions of humanitarian rights that are not being met, for certain people at the border. Gay rights are also under attack. Climate change is definitely up there too.
“So we have to fix ourselves first, as a country, before we focus on our foreign policy, because I mean, I just read the news. You know, our constant communications with China, Europe and the world, is not what we should focus on now. We have to get ready before we can do anything good outside. And I feel like I’m not the only one who thinks that way. “
Is there anything we haven’t asked about the choice you want to share?
“I would encourage people to stop exaggerating the presidential elections, because many of their decisions will not affect you directly. Find your local elections: who represents your city, your district, your school board. These are the people who are going to directly affect the way you get your water, your city taxes, how your children will be educated, who is raising them. I wish there was more publicity about that, instead of the disputes and debates that are happening at the national level.
“So when you vote, don’t just think it’s Trump versus Biden. Also reach out to your local people to take care of yourself and your community, where you can make the biggest change. “
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