Not A Voting Guide

I refuse to lie and tell you that the Biden/Harris ticket is the best option for immigrants. I refuse to tell you that your vote will mean a lot to me, someone who cannot vote. I refuse to give you false hope and say things will be better on November 4th, as long as you cast your vote by the day before.

The old me posted guides about how to vote, wrote paragraphs about what your vote means to the undocumented community, and even spent weeks canvassing for a candidate in which I did not believe. The old me probably guilt tripped you into researching all of the candidates and watching every minute of each debate. The old me believed in the Democratic party; a party that continues to use my existence as empty rhetoric while ignoring me in their legislative priorities.

Comparatively, I have devoted the least amount of energy to this presidential election because I cannot save a country that refuses to be saved. I cannot make people care about their own neighbors, the immigrants we violate everyday. I vow to never again use their suffering as a “get out the vote” tactic.

Do your own research and educate yourself. For too long, I thought it was my responsibility to be a source of knowledge. During the 2016 election, I was overwhelmed by messages from people literally at the polling booths asking me how they should vote. I refuse to carry that responsibility anymore.

Still, one thing is clear: I cannot endure another four years of this administration and the changes that will come out of the new Supreme Court. Biden and Harris are not the best option for immigrants. But, I am hopeful that through pressure and activism, we can win a few battles.

There is no guide and no thank you letter. There is no canvassing and belief in empty words. Instead, I care that you make the decision, on your own, to vote. Voting is still a privilege, a privilege wished for by many.

Vote because it matters to you.

Vote because you care.

Vote.