The first presidential election I voted in was Bush–Gore 2000. I voted Ralph Nader (Green) as did most of my environmentalist friends. I was super excited about voting. Gore was always going to be undefeatable in my state anyway, which ultimately went 61% for Gore alongside 6% for Nader, so I didn't personally reckon with the "spoiler" argument. (If I'd lived in a swing state, I would have given more thought to that.)

This year, I based my vote on who might actually be elected and what they'll do in office — in areas in which I can predict the outcome. For example, Trump nominated three Supreme Court justices who very quickly went on to overturn the right to abortion. For another example, climate scientists say Harris is the better pick for the climate. And so on.

My view is, it's very important to express views about what's happening in Gaza.

So, to tell the Harris campaign my opinion on Gaza, I emailed them.

https://kamalaharris.com/contact-us/

I also emailed my senators about Sen. Bernie Sanders's resolution to stop arms sales.

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/a28047ce6db6ad3262aa6c713d80385067767ed1

My worry is that, if the whole US is stuck with a Trump presidency again, no one in Gaza will be helped by his presidency. Nor will U.S. left-leaning voters have communicated any specific point to the Democratic Party. Raising U.S. voices on any topic will instead become harder because Trump is anti-democracy and will try to wreck democratic institutions and processes, including elections.

It is really hard to write about. Thank you for reading and for caring.