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-Editorial
Today, voters across the United States head to the polls to cast their ballots in what is poised to be one of the most consequential presidential elections in recent history. With significant implications for the future of American democracy, the election pits incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris, now the Democratic nominee, against former President Donald Trump, who seeks to reclaim the Oval Office after his defeat in 2020.
The race has been characterized by dramatic twists and turns in recent months. President Joe Biden, who initially aimed for re-election and was the presumptive Democratic nominee, faced mounting scrutiny following a widely criticized presidential debate in June. Concerns regarding his age and health culminated in his historic withdrawal from the race on July 21, making him the first eligible incumbent president to step aside since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. In a move reflecting a commitment to party unity, Biden endorsed his running mate, Kamala Harris, who subsequently became the Democratic nominee on August 5, selecting Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.
Harris, the first woman and first person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president, is campaigning on a platform that includes safeguarding democracy, addressing climate change, and promoting social justice.
On the other side of the aisle, Donald Trump has resumed his role at the forefront of the Republican Party, having secured the nomination alongside Ohio Senator JD Vance. Trump’s campaign has been marked by a continuation of his controversial rhetoric and a series of legal challenges. In May, he was found guilty on multiple felony counts, becoming the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime. Despite these legal troubles, Trump remains a formidable force in the election, leveraging his base’s loyalty and continuing to promote unfounded claims of a stolen 2020 election.
The Republican campaign has drawn criticism for its reliance on misinformation, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and incendiary language that some experts have described as authoritarian.
In her recent column, “What ‘Americans only’ really means,” Jean Guerrero warns that if Trump returns to the White House, American identity could shift away from traditional markers like skin color, accent, or country of origin. Instead, it may hinge on attitudes toward outsiders. “In Trump’s America, you’re American only if you choose hate,” Guerrero argues, adding that the question, “What kind of American are you?” could redefine the nation itself. Raised values like seeing each person’s humanity might be seen as “an existential threat” under this divisive worldview, Guerrero contends.
Imperial Valley Election
Imperial County finds itself at a crossroads, with crucial city council, school board, and special district elections taking place across the region. Among the various races, the spotlight is squarely on the highly anticipated Imperial County Supervisor District 2 election, where two candidates, Martha Singh-Cardenas and Dihana Garcia-Ruiz, are poised to make history as the first women to serve on the board alongside Peggy Price, who was recently elected to District 3.
The significance of the District 2 election cannot be overstated. Both Singh-Cardenas and Garcia-Ruiz bring a wealth of experience and a determination to address the pressing issues facing the county, from economic development to public health and education. Their candidacies signify a shift towards greater representation and diversity in local governance, as they will join Price, marking a historic moment for women in leadership within Imperial County.
While the District 2 election garners significant attention, other local races are equally crucial. The Imperial Irrigation District Division 4 sees incumbent Javier Gonzalez facing a challenge from Lewis Pacheco, a school board member and former mayor of Calexico. Gonzalez, who has served on the board since 2020, touts his experience and commitment to the district’s needs, while Pacheco is focused on keeping energy and water rates affordable.
In Calexico, the city council race is particularly noteworthy, following a tumultuous recall election earlier this year that removed two council members. The city has five council positions up for grabs, with candidates vying for both four-year and two-year terms. The four-year term candidates include current Mayor Camilo Garcia, Victor Legaspi, Joong Kim, Gilberto Manzanarez, Raul Urena, Lorenzo Calderon, and Adrina Marquez. For the two-year term, the candidates are Lisa Tylenda, Diana Nuricumbo, Lee Sepulveda, and Morris Reisen.
The stakes are higher than ever, and the reality of politics is more complex and consequential than it may appear. Every citizen who can vote should be involved and make their voice heard—but it’s equally vital to be informed about the candidates, their profiles, and backgrounds. These elected leaders shape decisions that directly impact our schools, businesses, transportation, jobs, and benefits. The laws they pass dictate what we can or cannot do, ultimately shaping our quality of life and daily freedoms. Informed voting isn’t just a right; it’s a responsibility that defines our future.