- First-time voters face ideological polarization
- Voting focus: abortion, climate, party loyalty
- Trump vs. Harris sparks intense political debates
For millions of Americans, November 5 will be their first time voting for president in a US election.
With polling data indicating a close race, first-time voters say they are under enormous pressure to pick between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris despite a sharp ideological split.
Seven people from various political parties were interviewed about their first experience participating in a US election.
We begin with a voter who is alarmed by the level of polarization that now dominates US elections.
Denise participates in community engagement, encouraging young people to vote and support the Harris-Walz ticket.
It’s disappointing to watch how hyper-partisanship has grown in recent years. You can watch old presidential debate videos and see how amicable the candidates can be, and now you see a shift in politics.
When you see candidates inviting their voters to be “either our side or their side,” it’s nearly ignorant, unprofessional, and unrepresentative of who our commander-in-chief should be.
I’m nervous because you would assume this would be a simple election. I wouldn’t be concerned about the outcome of this election because the results are so starkly different, but I am.
Aleksei began paying attention to politics during the 2020 election and realized the significance of his planned vote for Trump.
I support Trump, but I need to know more about how his campaign handles things. Kamala is unqualified for the position, and both sides appear to be excessively party-centric.
Trump was an independent voice in 2016 and was campaigning against both parties’ establishments.
There is no longer an independent voice, which is demoralizing for me. It feels like a return to the chaotic normalcy of two parties who both want us to go to war and don’t care about the people of this country.
Melina is excited to vote for a candidate who would prioritize abortion rights and climate change. She believes Harris is her best bet.
Going into the election, it was overwhelming. A lot of information is coming at me, especially through social media.
Before Harris’ nomination, I was still adamant about voting for Joe Biden because I believed many of my valued liberties would be prioritized under a Biden government. But I’m more proud to support Harris today.
We could have our first female president.
Lydia’s number-one priority this election is abortion, and she travels the country encouraging young people to vote for anti-abortion politicians and policies.
I cannot trust a candidate that refuses to safeguard unborn children. If they can’t safeguard unborn infants, I can’t trust them to protect any of us.
I’m voting for Trump because he is the most pro-life candidate, and more lives will be saved under his leadership.
This election is incredibly intense, and I can sense it. As Generation Z members, we are both candidates’ target audience. I’ve been working to encourage our generation to vote pro-life first.
Simon relocated to the US from the UK in 2011 and claims to have previously backed Trump but could not vote then.
Since the 2016 election, everything appears to be more contentious.
The one thing I regret about the UK system is a viable third party; you have left and right now, with very little in between.
The divisiveness is upsetting because I can’t see the end.
At this point, I’m backing Harris. Nothing about Trump appeals to me, especially on a personal level, and nothing in his programs makes me think I’d vote for him.
Devynn became interested in politics after seeing the January 6 incident at the Capitol. It’s on her mind as she fills out her first ballot.
My family and I had opposing political views, but we could always discuss things civilly.
We don’t have as many civil conversations these days, which is not what I expected.
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Trump is exacerbating the division, and his policies are partially to blame.
It won’t be as horrible once he’s no longer a candidate for selection.
Alli has found this election season tense but is determined to cast her first ballot for Trump.
Even bringing up the election sparks an argument with many people.
I’m voting for Trump in the fall because I agree with his values and policies, and his ability to communicate and his charm also appeal to me.
Trump and Vance have something that keeps me interested in what they’re discussing.
I want to be heard.
North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher analyzes the presidential election in his weekly US Election Unspun newsletter.
