8 days till US Election: Despotism v Democracy Battle

Early voting for the 2024 US election began on October 21. The ballots will be counted in 8 days with the last stretch of voting. Polls show it’s a close race, raising concerns for American democracy.

2024 US Presidential Election

The US has a two-party system, so the race would be dominated by the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. The 2024 Presidential election showdown is between Vice President Kamala Harris (Democratic candidate) and Former President Donald Trump (Republican candidate). The most recent poll has shown worrisome results for the US and the world.

Why is the 2024 Election important?

More than 21 million Americans have already voted in the ongoing Presidential election. There has been unrest in America ever since the start of the Election season. This could be the most defining US Election after the world witnessed the embarrassing January 6th attack on the US Capitol. Donald Trump’s pride and continued denial of Jan 6 by his running mate, J.D. Vance, are enough proof to worry for America and her people.

On the opposite end is Kamal Harris. She has only served as the Vice President so it is difficult to evaluate her policies. But she guarantees stability and respect to the US Constitution and due process of law, which Trump does not.

Apart from funding the Israel-Palestine conflict, they both have taken opposite stances on every American issue.

Women’s rights at the stake

Abortion rights have been the main talking point of this election. After the disastrous overturning of Roe v. Wade, the country has begun burning women’s rights. What remains would swiftly be burnt to the ground by electing Donald Trump.

Why should we worry?

As a woman, this was the issue that made me worry about the US Election. As a law student, it was the Trump Campaign’s repeated disregard for the rule of law that made me worry about the American Constitution.

It is his divisive rhetoric that reminds me of a despot that worries the political science student in me. As an Indian, it is the possible spillover effect into the world that worries me. It was once said when France sneezes, the entire Europe catches a cold.

But when America sneezes, the entire world catches on fire. And America sneezes when its president orders it to. With the US Supreme Court’s Constitutional interpretation that their President is as immune as a King, fear courses through my spine.

Worrying Recent Poll: Fierce Battle Ahead

With only 8 days left to start counting votes, the battle is almost over. A recent poll conducted by the New York Times along with Sienna College indicates that it’s a coin toss. Harris and Trump are tied at a 48% acceptance rate.

People seem to be exactly divided between democracy and despotism. It seems the worst case may come true. It is in the hands of the undecided voters who have not cast their vote yet. It is important to understand that polls contain error but the race was already close. However, it could show there is a chance that the former president has a shoo-in. And if given the power, he could do more damage today than in 2017. His cabinet will be filled with more supporters.

There is not much time left to worry. Elections should not left to whims, chances and luck. It is the most fundamental right guaranteed by every democratic country’s Constitution. Assert your power as the people to select a sane government.

It’s time to vote! Godspeed America and the world!