(Editor’s note: We believe the younger generations have the most at stake in Tuesday’s election. To reflect that concern, the following endorsement is written by the newsroom staff of the Item, whose average age is 25.) 

According to Kamala Harris, “It is time for a new generation of leadership in America.” 

That’s us.

Kamala Harris is the best candidate running for president in 2024, not because of her identity, but because of what she stands for. Her policies, fresh perspective, and enthusiasm for the all-around growth and betterment of future generations is what draws us to her. 

Donald Trump is the epitome of the potential downfall of democracy. Not only is he a convicted felon, but he was also twice impeached. Can you imagine living in a time where a convicted felon could take a seat in The White House? How about a time where the organizer of a Capitol riot was allowed to run for president? That time is now. 

The former president is also a threat to democracy through his denial of the 2020 election and his refusal to step down peacefully, which led to the infamous riot. His strong push of misinformation and false claims of a fraudulent election continues to trigger dangerous rhetoric from his main base.

Trump has worsened the state of immigration with the pushback on the cross-party border security bill so he could use it for his campaign. Whether it was one or 10 generations ago, every American citizen is an immigrant with their ancestors having migrated to the country. Trump also continues to label climate change a hoax and has eliminated a woman’s right to choose on a national level.

The aforementioned state of immigration and the southern border are major topics for the 2024 election. Throughout her campaign, Harris has shown to have more moderate views on both topics. We believe in her plan to bring back the cross-party border security bill that was previously shot down by Republicans. This plan ensures a stronger border, which is something we view as necessary to the safety of our country. 

Harris is also providing an important view on gun laws, especially for young voters. She stands for the 2nd Amendment, but also understands assault weapons and high-capacity magazines are a detriment to the safety of communities across the country. Harris is not stripping us of our rights, but instead putting saving lives over the need for weapons solely designed to kill a large amount of people in a short period of time to be in the hands of civilians.

The climate is knocking on the door of irreversible damage with its effects becoming more noticeable as the seasons go. Oct. 31 should be a chilly night with jackets over costumes and faces bright red from the wind. Instead, it is 71 degrees and jackets are sitting in closets.

Harris believes climate change is an existential threat to the future of the planet and is a key member of the climate agenda formed by the Biden Administration. Harris is coming off of a historic push for climate change policies and action. The current state of the world is perhaps one of the most dangerous threats to society. 

The overturning of Roe V. Wade created one of the biggest aftershocks in recent history, further strengthening the divide in the country. We believe women have the right to choose and should have that right no matter the state they live in. The overturning of this constitutional right has taken the lives of women who have had to deal with delayed care due to states with conservative laws. Harris is very clear on where she stands regarding abortion and is in full support of it being a choice. 

Our generation has been silenced by the constant stream of noise coming from past generations. An idea has formed that the younger voters don’t care about politics and the current state of the country. However, this isn’t true. This election will heavily impact our future, and now more than ever we have to take action. We have to make the right decision.

Harris can be the starting force for change. All it takes is one domino to put things into motion and she can be that domino. The vice president understands the need to listen to the younger generation who will inherit the successes and failures of the current leaders. She has shown her support for shaping a better future through political beliefs this campaign.  

Our futures are in your hands. Please consider a vote for Vice President Kamala Harris. Thank you.