Democracy in 2024

As November 5, 2024 approaches, an exciting atmosphere can be felt. Everything is prepared for a big meeting between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. These two people have different ideas for our country, but they also represent our common struggle to understand today’s democracy. What does it mean to participate in an election when the system itself is doubted?

We should stop for a moment and think about something. Democracy is not just a choice, but is shaped by our interactions. It is alive and breathing.

In the last few years, there has been an unprecedented political divide. Friends are now arguing at the dinner table. Different beliefs have divided families. It is important to know what happens when the other person doesn’t respond. When you don’t listen to learn but to contradict.

Many people feel disappointed in this time. The headlines call for separation. Social networks make unusual opinions louder and drown out quiet reasonable voices. Despite the confusion, there is hope. We firmly believe that we can restore a good exchange if we try hard enough. It could start by talking to people who have different opinions or looking for common ground instead of building barriers.

The two candidates have different views: Harris stands for progress and openness, while Trump stands for being close to the people and for national pride. Each story shows democracy in a different way: one emphasizes cooperation and equality, the other selfish decisions and an invented tradition. When we reflect on these decisions, we should consider which ideas fit our idea of freedom and democracy, which our country has given us.

We are not just deciding on bosses, but on our shared values for the future.

Democracy has not simply developed by itself, but through the participation of all people. Women who fought for the right to vote and activists who demanded equality show us that change is often achieved through persistent commitment.

Nevertheless, we are uncertain here whether the elections are fair. Misinformation spreads quickly and voters in disadvantaged groups are suppressed. It is very important that we take good care of the fragile system we have inherited.

Let’s take a closer look at what it means to decide in an uncertain and mistrustful environment! Voting is more than just putting crosses on a piece of paper. It is an expression of one’s existence, a voice that wants to be heard and seeks to belong.

Imagine that your grandmother cleans her house with natural products that she loves. This shows her values for health and environmental protection. Voting is like helping the community to function well, both for you and for everyone.

In November, it is important that we, as citizens, are well informed and treat each other with respect, even when we disagree. We must understand that discussion is important for democracy, but we must also respect the rules.

In November, we should all remember: in a participatory democracy, it is important that we all, not only during elections but every day, have the responsibility to hold those in government accountable and to advocate for changes that are in line with our humanity. We should be courageous and take action instead of being comfortable and doing nothing to shape the future of democracy.