As Election Day approaches, voters face critical choices that will shape the future of the United States. Candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump present starkly different visions, with their platforms addressing key issues such as economic policy, healthcare, immigration, and social justice. Understanding where each candidate stands on these pivotal topics is essential for making an informed decision at the polls.
Economic Policy:
Harris advocates for increased investment in green energy jobs, support for union labor, and policies aimed at reducing economic disparities. She emphasizes progressive tax reform, aiming to increase taxes on the wealthiest Americans and corporations to fund healthcare, education, and social programs. Her approach includes increasing the federal minimum wage to support working families and implementing fair pay policies.
Trump promises to continue tax cuts for individuals and corporations, arguing that lowering taxes sparks economic growth. He stresses the importance of deregulation to encourage local business expansion and boost employment. Trump’s focus is on traditional energy sectors, promising to protect and expand jobs in oil, gas, and coal industries. His platform generally focuses on an American market-driven economy with limited government intervention.
Healthcare
Harris’s healthcare platform prioritizes access to affordable healthcare for all, emphasizing an expansion of the Affordable Care Act and a public option for those who cannot afford private insurance. She highlights mental health support and plans to negotiate drug prices to lower costs. Harris believes that a stronger public health infrastructure will be key to avoiding future pandemics and addressing health disparities.
Trump supports private healthcare options and has proposed reforms to limit government involvement. He seeks to lower costs by introducing more competition among insurance providers and providing more options for private coverage. Trump’s approach emphasizes individual choice in healthcare and state-led solutions over federal mandates.
Environmental Policy
Harris has been vocal about combating climate change, with her platform aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. She plans to increase funding for renewable energy, enforce stricter environmental regulations, and address environmental justice issues that impact marginalized communities. Her climate policy is structured around federal initiatives and international cooperation to reduce carbon emissions.
Trump, however, argues that stringent climate policies could harm the economy and lead to job losses in energy sectors. He supports traditional energy production and emphasizes energy independence. Trump’s environmental policies largely focus on reducing regulations to allow for economic growth, while asserting that environmental progress can come through technological innovation rather than government mandates.
Education
Harris’s education platform includes plans to increase federal funding for public schools, expand access to early childhood education, and provide debt-free college options for low-income students. She has proposed initiatives to close the digital divide and provide resources to underserved communities to improve educational equity.
Trump promotes school choice and aims to expand charter schools and voucher programs to allow families more options outside of the public education system. He proposes reduced federal oversight, believing that local governments should have more control over education policies. Trump’s focus on school choice is rooted in giving parents more control over their children’s education.
Immigration Policy
Harris’s immigration platform is centered around creating an easy path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, especially for Dreamers. She supports reforms to streamline legal immigration processes, protect immigrant workers, and maintain asylum protections for those seeking refuge. Harris’s open-border approach emphasizes the humanitarian aspects of immigration and promotes inclusivity.
Trump focuses on border security and limiting illegal immigration until the American economy and job market is stable for its citizens. He has advocated for tighter restrictions and policies to curb asylum claims. He supports building the U.S.-Mexico border wall and bolstering resources for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Trump’s immigration stance emphasizes a need to protect American jobs and uphold national security by reducing undocumented immigration.
Social Justice and Civil Rights
Harris has made addressing systemic racism a key priority, with proposals that focus on criminal justice reform, policing accountability, and expanded protections for voting rights. She advocates for expunging records for minor drug offenses, reducing mandatory minimum sentences, and enforcing stricter penalties for hate crimes. Her platform also includes protections for LGBTQ+ rights, safeguards against workplace discrimination, and policies to ensure voting access for marginalized communities. Harris emphasizes government-led reforms to create a more equitable society.
Trump’s approach to social justice centers on a strong law and order stance, emphasizing support for law enforcement and prioritizing public safety. He advocates for increasing funding to police departments and implementing tougher penalties for violent crimes. His policies focus on reducing crime and maintaining security for all Americans, highlighting the importance of a robust law enforcement presence as essential for social stability.
Foreign Policy
Harris’s foreign policy emphasizes alliances and cooperation with global organizations, advocating for diplomacy, climate commitments, and shared security efforts. She aims to restore relationships with NATO allies and rejoin the Paris Agreement, believing that multilateral approaches will strengthen the U.S.’s global standing.
Trump’s foreign policy prioritizes America first and focuses on economic independence and reduced dependence on international alliances. He advocates for renegotiating trade agreements to protect American jobs and has expressed skepticism toward global organizations. His approach emphasizes national security through military strength and economic leverage. He was prioritized sovereignty and ensured that foreign policies directly benefitted American interests.
No matter who you choose to support, participating in the electoral process is crucial—your voice matters. Voting is not just a privilege; it’s an essential expression of your beliefs and values. Every ballot cast shapes the future of our communities and our country. So, make your voice heard and stand by your convictions. Your vote, your voice, our mission—together, we can drive positive change and ensure that every perspective is represented in the democratic process.