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As the United States stands on the cusp of the 2024 Presidential election, the stakes have never been higher at home and on the global stage. If you haven’t voted, please, please, go vote. I candidly didn’t vote for Trump or Harris. My vote went to Jill Stein. For those I’ve shared my voting decision with, I’m most often met with what is called the “harm reduction” argument.

The gist of this argument is that a vote for a third party is a vote for Trump. Because of this, the only valid option is to vote for Harris to prevent Trump from becoming president. I understand the rationale and respect people’s convictions. My conviction is that Kamala Harris will not fundamentally improve the lives of marginalized people domestically or abroad. I don’t believe a Harris or Trump presidency will improve the lives of Palestinians, the LGBTQ+ community, the rights of women, the Black community, or immigrant communities.

I am tired of compromising my convictions and ideals by voting for “the lesser of two evils.” We are talking about the lives of hundreds of millions, if not billions, of fellow human beings around the globe who the vote of 244 million Americans will directly impact. I don’t take this privilege lightly. I also have no desire to tell you how to vote or what your conscience should be. I can only speak for myself, and I am done capitulating to the Democratic party as a way to keep the puritanical Republican party in check.

The choices we make at the ballot box have the power to echo well beyond our borders. Our votes will also shape the future of economic stability, influencing healthcare access and ensuring our communities are safe. Every vote counts and carries the weight of its potential impact! For the millions of Americans who follow the Abrahamic faiths — Judaism, Christianity, and Islam — these issues are not just political talking points; they are moral imperatives.

The upcoming election is a critical opportunity for faith communities to come together and utilize our shared values and strengths to tackle the urgent issues of our time. The actions taken by communities of faith have the power to impact national policies and international relations, potentially reshaping the narrative of unity and compassion in a world that is becoming increasingly polarized.

The United States finds itself at a critical juncture. The political landscape is fraught with tension, reflecting deep-seated concerns among voters about the nation’s future. Regardless of the electoral outcome, addressing these concerns is paramount for the health and stability of our democracy.

In this charged atmosphere, people of faith have a unique opportunity to emerge as a unifying force. Specifically, those within the Abrahamic faith traditions, with their shared values of compassion, justice, and community service, offer a unique perspective on addressing societal challenges. By leveraging our collective strength and wisdom, we can play a crucial role in bridging divides and fostering positive change.

Amid deep-seated tensions, injustice, economic inflation, and many other issues, adherents of the Abrahamic faiths can actively engage with and address key voter concerns, transcending political boundaries to create meaningful impact within our communities. The reality is, for some Americans, a Trump presidency means the end of our democracy as we’ve known it. For other Americans, a Harris presidency represents the same end of “the American way.” In between both extremes are millions of Americans of faith who feel conflicted, torn, and like neither candidate is a good option as the next leader of America.

As America continues to divide economically between the wealthy and the poor, access to quality healthcare declines, and public safety issues, including crime, have surged since COVID-19, religious tensions within faith communities have increased.

In recent weeks, I’ve spoken with Christians who feel embarrassed by the strong support for Trump among their fellow church members. Some also believe that their support for Harris is something they need to keep to themselves to avoid criticisms such as “not pro-life,” “LGBTQ+ affirming,” or opposing various conservative Christian political views.

As I sit with my Muslim brothers and sisters, I can feel the palpable heartache, distress, and fear among us. Many in this community discuss the possibility of leaving America if Trump is elected. There are deep, meaningful conversations about privilege, immigration, and how to best use our social power to serve the larger ummah (Islamic community).

Because of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, along with increased Israeli attacks in the Middle East, tensions and division among the Abrahamic faiths are at a boiling point. Interfaith communities, families, and friendships have been torn apart or are holding on to their relationships by a string.

Building upon the context of division and tension discussed earlier, the upcoming 2024 Presidential election offers a unique opportunity for individuals of the Abrahamic faiths — Judaism, Christianity, and Islam — to bridge divides and promote positive change through their engagement in the democratic process. By leveraging our shared values of compassion, justice, and social good, our respective faith communities can be crucial in addressing the pressing concerns that define this critical period.

At the core of the Abrahamic faiths lies a profound commitment to compassion. Judaism emphasizes chesed (loving-kindness), Christianity advocates for the love of neighbor and enemy alike, and Islam teaches rahmah (mercy). By grounding our voting choices in our shared values, we can support policies and candidates prioritizing care for the marginalized, promoting social welfare, and ensuring access to essential services like healthcare and education.

The compassion God calls us to extends to addressing systemic injustices deeply rooted in societal structures. The Abrahamic traditions recognize a moral imperative to combat inequalities based on race, gender, and socioeconomic status. For instance, the Jewish prophetic tradition calls for justice, as seen in Micah 6:8. By supporting candidates who advocate for just policies and reformative practices, voters can enact meaningful change aligned with their faith-based commitment to justice.

Moreover, Abrahamic faiths share a recognition of the importance of community and collective action. Voting becomes communal, allowing individuals to express their shared values and concerns. Faith communities can play a crucial role by organizing discussions, encouraging civic engagement, and fostering a culture of participation among their members.

Recently, my family had the honor of participating in a Pro-Palestinian interfaith conversation. One particular story truly resonated with me and highlighted the compassion within our community. It was touching to hear how American-born Muslim college students looked out for their non-American-born classmates. They understood the difficult position their fellow students were in — balancing their desire to advocate for change with the genuine risk of jeopardizing their status in the United States and their education. In an inspiring display of solidarity, these groups worked together to find alternative ways for immigrant students to support those on the front lines. This experience beautifully illustrates how our shared values and mutual concerns can lead to creative and caring solutions that uplift one another during challenging times.

In the Abrahamic religions, justice extends beyond retribution; it embodies a deep commitment to understanding and reconciliation. As voters, individuals can prioritize candidates who demonstrate a commitment to dialogue and bridge-building, striving to create a harmonious society where diverse communities coexist. This emphasis on empathy and understanding can help mitigate political divisiveness and foster a more inclusive society.

As the 2024 election approaches, individuals of the Abrahamic faiths have an opportunity to reflect on their shared values and use their votes as a testament to their commitment to fostering a more just and compassionate society. By actively engaging in the electoral process, these communities can work towards a future that aligns with their ethical and moral frameworks, promoting policies that address the needs of all citizens and reinforce the societal fabric with compassion and justice. Ultimately, the voices of Muslims, Christians, and Jews can influence the national dialogue, steering it towards a path of healing and growth for the common good.

As we approach this pivotal moment in our nation’s history, people of faith remember that our calling transcends political affiliations and election outcomes. God calls those rooted in the Abrahamic faiths to be beacons of compassion and justice in a world often divided by fear and self-interest. Regardless of who occupies the White House, our mandate remains unchanged: to love our neighbors, to stand with the marginalized, and to work tirelessly for a more just and equitable society. Let your vote express your deepest values, but know that our work does not end at the ballot box. In the days and years to come, may we be known not by our political allegiances but by our unwavering commitment to embodying the radical love and transformative justice at our faith’s heart. Together, let us cast our votes, hopes, and actions into building a future that reflects the compassion and vision of the Divine we serve.

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