The United States is going to the polls today, November 5th, for the presidential election. While the race for the Oval Office is front and center, it’s not the only issue on voters’ minds. This election will shape the future of numerous critical issues, including abortion rights, immigration, control of the Houses of Congress, and even marijuana legalization. Let’s delve into these key topics and explore the perspectives of American voters.
Abortion: A Defining Issue
Abortion has emerged as one of the most prominent issues in this election cycle. Following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision in 2022, which overturned Roe v. Wade and effectively eliminated a woman’s constitutional right to abortion, the issue has taken center stage in political discourse. This shift has been particularly evident in the 2022 midterm elections and subsequent special elections, where abortion rights have consistently been a top concern for voters. This election marks the first presidential contest since the landmark Roe v. Wade decision was overturned, making abortion a defining issue for many voters.
According to the BBC, voters in nearly a dozen states, including key battleground states like Arizona and Nevada, will be voting on abortion rights initiatives. For many supporters of Vice President Harris, her unwavering commitment to protecting abortion rights after the Supreme Court’s ruling is a significant factor driving their vote. Sarah Weigel, a 46-year-old event coordinator from Franklin, Pennsylvania, exemplifies this sentiment. Though not typically politically engaged, Weigel plans to vote for Harris specifically to protect abortion rights. She was moved to vote by the Supreme Court’s decision, stating, “For me, it’s, I guess, being able to make a choice of what I want to do with my own body. So if a woman wanted to get an abortion or not she should have that right to make that decision on her own.”
Myesha Parks, a 27-year-old dental hygienist from Rocky Mount, North Carolina, echoes this sentiment. While she identifies as a practicing Baptist and was initially opposed to abortion, her views shifted after two friends experienced rape. She believes that a woman should have the right to choose, particularly in such circumstances, and believes that Harris, as a woman, is better equipped to address the complexities of abortion. Parks stated, “Men shouldn’t be allowed to tell women what to do with their bodies.”
Stephanie Lopez Gilmore, a 39-year-old employee at a wellness and mental health center in Detroit, is another voter motivated by abortion rights. She also finds inspiration in Harris’s identity as a woman of color, stating, “Being a woman of colour myself, it’s very inspiring to see someone that looks like you and that has maybe some of the same interests as you that will be leading the country.”
The impact of this election on abortion rights is significant. A Harris victory, coupled with Democratic control of the Senate and the House, could lead to the codification of abortion rights. This could involve abolishing the filibuster, a procedural tactic that requires 60 votes to pass legislation in the Senate, and regaining control of the House. Furthermore, a Harris presidency could see the appointment of new Supreme Court justices, potentially shifting the balance of the court back towards a more moderate stance. Conversely, a Trump victory could result in even stricter abortion bans across the country.
Control of Congress: A Battle for Power
The control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives is also at stake in this election. The Senate, with its 100 members elected for six-year terms, has a third of its seats up for grabs. The Democrats currently hold a narrow majority with 51 seats, while the Republicans hold 49. The Republicans are not defending any of the seats they won in 2022. In the House, where members are elected for two-year terms, all 435 seats are contested. The Republicans currently hold a majority with 219 seats, compared to the Democrats’ 212 seats.
The control of Congress is crucial as it determines the direction of the country on a range of issues, from the budget to foreign policy. While the President signs bills into law, Congressional approval is necessary for their passage. Congress also controls the government’s spending and has the power to declare war.
Immigration: A Contentious Issue
Immigration has consistently been a major focus for both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. In interviews with voters across the country, immigration emerges as a central concern, often influenced by personal experiences and perspectives.
Many Trump supporters prioritize curbing illegal immigration, citing economic and societal consequences. Heather Thomas, a 49-year-old convenience store worker near the Las Vegas Strip, expresses this sentiment, stating, “The open border means the end of our country… And with Biden and the other Democrats, the borders have been crazy, just wide open.” Thomas believes that the Biden administration has not done enough to address illegal immigration, despite efforts to curb border crossings.
Judy Boyce, a retired flight attendant from Marietta, Georgia, also cites border security and the economy as key reasons for voting for Trump. She views these issues as intertwined, arguing that funding for illegal immigrants should instead be directed towards US citizens. Boyce stated, “I want a wall and I want illegal immigration down to zero. I want this economy back to when Donald Trump was president.”
Terry Balko, a part-time charitable fundraiser from Marietta, Georgia, who also voted for Trump in previous elections, expresses a similar concern. He wants to see “less inflation, a safer country,” and calls for the deportation of illegal immigrants. Balko cites the case of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old student who was murdered in February, as an example of the risks associated with illegal immigration. The suspect in this case, a Venezuelan in the US illegally, has pleaded not guilty to murder charges. Balko stated, “Biden and Harris are totally derelict in protecting our citizens. They should be bought up on a charge of treason.”
Marijuana Legalization: A Growing Movement
Voters in four states—Florida, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota—will also decide whether to legalize recreational and medical marijuana. Recreational marijuana is currently legal in 24 states, while 20 states have partially approved its use for medical purposes.
In September, Kamala Harris made history by vowing to federally legalize adult recreational cannabis, a significant step for a presidential candidate. Donald Trump, while calling for marijuana legalization in his home state of Florida, has indicated that he would limit legalization to specific conditions.
This election is not just about choosing a President; it will also determine the direction of key issues that will shape the future of the United States. The stakes are high, and the choices made today will have a profound impact on the lives of all Americans.
