I voted for Kamala—and I have no regrets
As a first-time voter in the United States, my journey to the ballot box felt different from when I first voted in the Philippines. I don’t feel as invested in this election, partly because I’m still getting familiar with the core issues and concerns of Americans.
Back home, I felt the excitement and intensity of elections, especially during the most recent presidential race. I supported Leni Robredo, a leader I believed represented compassion, strength and honesty. I even joined a caravan here in Los Angeles to rally support for her.
As an immigrant from a developing country, I find that I don’t have many complaints about my life here; I’m still at a phase where I’m comparing, contrasting and deeply appreciating what’s available to the public versus back home. It amazes me that community resources like parks, libraries and community colleges are so accessible. Simple things that may be taken for granted here—the well-maintained infrastructure, organized public services and sense of safety—are privileges I greatly value.
I received my mail-in ballot weeks before election day and initially planned to vote by mail. But as the weekend before the election arrived, I couldn’t find my ballot anywhere. Feeling a bit lazy about going out, especially with the rain, I hesitated to vote in person.
However, I realized that if I didn’t take advantage of early voting, I probably wouldn’t make it on Nov. 5, a Tuesday and a work day. My main motivation was my desire to support Vice President Kamala Harris and help defeat Donald Trump.
So, on a rainy Saturday, I headed to my local library to vote in person. To my surprise, the place was nearly empty—no lines, just a few other voters.
When I got there, I mentioned to the volunteers that I was a first-time voter, hoping they’d guide me through the process. They welcomed me warmly, congratulated me and even thanked me for coming out. They also offered to take my picture to commemorate the occasion.
Leadership
My experience back in the Philippines has influenced how I view leadership. During Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, we witnessed the consequences of a government that often led through fear and division. He frequently made crude remarks and displayed a dismissive attitude toward women’s rights. He repeatedly made misogynistic remarks, including turning rape into a punchline and belittling women in government, then brushing off criticism by claiming he was simply joking.
I see similarities in Trump’s approach and attitude. He has a history of making demeaning comments about women, which surfaced prominently during his presidential campaigns and tenure. From the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape to his public attacks on female journalists, politicians, and activists, he has often objectified women and minimized their contributions. His administration also rolled back several key protections for women’s rights, particularly in reproductive health, raising doubts about his commitment to gender equality.
On the other hand, Harris, like Robredo, has shown through her work that leadership doesn’t have to be divisive. Her career has been dedicated to justice and human rights, areas that resonate with me and many immigrants. Supporting her felt like a step toward progress, especially for women in leadership. I’ve seen how women leaders often bring a unique combination of resilience and empathy to the table. Her background as a child of immigrants and her dedication to justice made her especially familiar to the needs of a diverse America.
For me, a vote for Kamala Harris is also a vote for a future where women’s voices are represented and where leaders prioritize compassion over conflict.
However, as the results have shown, Trump has won. I admit that I am dismayed by this outcome, but I hope I’m wrong. I hope Trump and the Republicans will be a force for good in the coming years, particularly for the economy. Perhaps those who voted for him saw something I’ve missed. I’m cautiously optimistic that, even if I disagree with his style and history, he may take a different approach and positively impact the country.
Only time will tell, but I’m willing to hope for the best.
