By Sudarshan Pyakurel

On October 21st, I cast my early vote for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, opting to avoid the crowds on Election Day. Since becoming a naturalized citizen in 2016, I have remained an independent voter, refusing to align myself with any political party. My voting history reflects this—supporting candidates based on their policies rather than their political affiliation. For instance, I have previously cast my vote for Ohio’s Republican Governor, Mike DeWine. However, this year, I’ve decided to vote for the Democratic ticket, not out of party loyalty but because of my growing disillusionment with the current direction of the Republican Party.

The GOP, under Donald Trump’s leadership, has drifted so far to the right that it no longer reflects the values of reason, logic, or inclusivity. Over the past decade, Trump’s rhetoric and policies have fueled deep divisions within the nation, separating families, friends, and communities on issues like race, immigration, religion, and gender identity. It feels as though the Republican Party has either surrendered to or been overtaken by the far-right, leaving no room for moderate voices or a platform that includes the principles of diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion.

As a community leader and a new American, I’ve witnessed the harm that Trump’s brand of politics has inflicted, particularly on first-time voters and immigrants. His divisive tactics have cast a shadow of uncertainty over America’s future, reminding many of the very challenges we fled from in our home countries. Regardless of whether he wins or loses, the damage he has caused will continue to reverberate across the nation. This makes it impossible for me to support other Republican candidates down the ballot, if this is the new Republican Party that embraces Trump’s legacy and drifts toward far-right agendas.

In contrast, my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris was not just about electing the first Asian American woman to the nation’s highest office. It was a vote for stability, ethical governance, and democratic values. It was a vote for unity and hope—a desire to see the country move beyond the political and social divisions that have festered in recent years. I believe that a Harris-Walz administration will offer the chance to heal, to return to a political landscape rooted in fairness, rule of law, and respect for all Americans.

Moreover, as an Asian American, I have witnessed the Biden administration’s commitment to advancing equity and justice for marginalized communities. Through landmark initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act and the American Rescue Plan, we have seen increased access to healthcare, economic opportunities, and mental health services for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA & NHPI) communities. These efforts give me hope that a Harris presidency will continue to build on this progress, expanding opportunities for all Americans, especially those who have historically been left behind.

Ultimately, my vote is a reflection of my belief in a future where America can rise above the politics of fear, hate, and division. I choose to support a path that values human dignity, democratic principles, and inclusivity, hoping that we can finally turn the page on the difficult chapters of our recent past.

(Sudarshan Pyakurel, MA, MSW, is the Executive Director of the Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio and a member of Ohio Governor DeWine’s New American Advisory Committee.)

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