Election Day: I Hope Gen Z Will Come Out Full Steam to Vote for Kamala Harris and Help Make History

The 2024 U.S. elections represent a pivotal moment for the nation, with an outcome that could shape our country’s political landscape for years to come. Key issues such as economic access,  immigration, and healthcare will be at the forefront, influencing the lives of everyday Americans. The election will determine the direction of policies affecting inflation, job growth, and social programs, all of which impact everyday Americans. Additionally, the Supreme Court’s balance could shift, affecting critical rulings on rights and freedoms and making this election vital for those concerned about the future of reproductive rights, voting access, and civil liberties.

Moreover, the 2024 elections are not just about policies; they reflect deeper societal divisions and the health of American democracy. With rising polarization, the outcome could either reinforce existing tensions, or pave the way for a more unified country with a Harris-Walz victory. Voter turnout will be crucial, as our South Asian community can play a significant role in shaping the election. This election is not merely a contest for power; it’s a referendum on the values and priorities that will define our country moving forward. The stakes are high, with the potential for lasting impact on both a national and global scale. I have been a community organizer since high school and there has never been a presidential race that was so heavily contested and with two polar sets of values and policies that will make such a difference in the country’s future.

Kamala Harris is a ray of hope for the next generation. She believes in climate change, reproductive rights, and access to affordable college. This past weekend there was great turnout from fellow college students when I went canvassing with South Asians for Harris in the highly contested battleground state of Pennsylvania. We talked to dozens of people, and several mentioned how The American Dream is becoming harder to reach for future generations. The American Dream has always included working hard to achieve success, but currently the middle class in our country often works two or three jobs to earn a living, and cannot get ahead. Kamala Harris supports the working class and keeping the American Dream alive.

Kamala Harris also supports immigrants. America has always been a country that welcomes everyone, no matter your nationality, race or faith. This Diwali, it was beautiful to see how our South Asian community was embraced with our traditions being celebrated across the country by elected leaders, including Tim Walz observing Diwali at a mandir in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, as well as celebrations at the residence of the highest office of our nation, the White House. Vice President Kamala Harris also has held celebrations at her residence at the Naval Observatory during her tenure. 

Trump’s administration, on the other hand, has restricted legal immigration to our country,  disproportionately affecting our South Asian communities. Based on his latest campaign policies, he plans to further restrict legal immigration, adversely impacting employers who rely on H-1B workers (WSJ, Oct. 31, 2024). When I spoke to fellow South Asians this past weekend, a few said they personally knew families who had to leave the country because of the Trump administration’s visa restrictions. 

Kamala Harris also will support bettering the lives of working-class Americans. While Trump has proposed high tariffs on goods that are likely to raise costs on goods and increase costs for Americans, Harris will implement policies with their consequences in mind. For example, she will expand affordable healthcare through Medicare and cap insulin costs for everyone, so that Americans can afford their life-saving medications every day. 

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The Harris-Walz Administration also promises to continue implementing the American Rescue plan which made historic investments in the care economy. Kamala Harris will fight to lower care costs for American families, including expanding high-quality home care services for seniors and people with disabilities, and ensuring hard-working families can afford child care. This is what Americans need: a president who will consider the needs of working-class Americans.

This election, I hope fellow GenZers realize that they have a chance to have a seat at the table. We have the opportunity to elect a public servant who will advance a policy platform with the next generation and the working class in mind. We as a country need to come back to a stage where, regardless of differences, elected officials can work together to create a stronger, more fair, and more democratic America ahead. While I am nervous that this election race is so tight, I hope enough people will come out and vote for Kamala Harris and help create history. I believe we are ready to elect one of our own–our first woman, first South Asian and first Black president.

Subhodeep Chakrabarty is a graduate student at Rutgers University. He has been involved in New Jersey politics since high school, influenced by his father, who is an elected committeeman. As the youth committee co-chair for South Asians For Harris, Subhodeep actively works to engage high school and college students at a grassroots level. He aspires to become a leader and serve his community and country.