Election Day: What’s at Stake?

Today, November 3rd, is Election Day, and arguably the most critical Election Day in a generation or more. While in theory, our work and more generally work around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion can and should be bipartisan and practiced across the political spectrum, what’s at stake in this election does have to do with DEI and the outcome of the election reflects directly on this country’s commitment to equity. We at Dr. Logan Speaks urge you to practice your right to vote, if you haven’t yet (record numbers of voters have turned in ballots early, indicating the level of investment citizens have in this election). We urge you to urge others to vote. And we urge you to vote based on the values that are central to democracy — equity, inclusion, and fairness.

So what’s at stake? Here’s what we’ve found based on Biden and Trump’s respective campaign websites.

COVID-19 Reponse

In regards to COVID-19, a Biden presidency would mean increased contact tracing and testing, national guidelines for distancing and other protective measures, and emergency funding and personal protective equipment for schools and childcare providers.

It’s not entirely clear what a second term of a Trump presidency would mean for COVID-19, but it’s probably safe to assume that the patterns we’ve been seeing — of lack of regulation and control, spikes, tragic deaths, and especially hard-hit communities of color — would continue.

Socioeconomic Issues

When it comes to social issues, Biden and Harris have promised to work towards racial equity and investing capital in Black- and brown-owned(small) businesses. They have also placed an emphasis on supporting the working and middle classes, women, and people of color in jobs and in economic status. This ties in with the economic ramifications, where it’s assumed that a Biden win means higher taxes on those earning the most money ($400,000+), that big corporations pay more taxes to support the communities they are housed in, and that middle and lower class families receive tax credits for child and elder care, for healthcare, and for purchasing homes.

Middle and working class families are foregrounded in Trump’s tax policies and Jobs Act, showing support for those who have lost employment or income during the pandemic. At the same time, corporations and wealthier individuals have also benefited from his tax policies and stopped paying their fair share, putting more burden on the less wealthy.

Addressing Systemic Racism

A continued Trump/Pence presidency would likely increase the already-rising sentiment of white-supremacy and fringe nationalist movements in the US, based on Trump’s unwillingness to denounce these groups and their actions in the past. This not only includes their growing political power but also the violence spurred on by such groups. A second Trump term probably includes more immigration injustice, judging by the treatment of refugee families and the abhorrent neglect shown to refugee children, and increased attempts to limit immigration into the US. Finally, the reality of systemic racism and its effects on communities of color, especially Black communities, will likely continue to go unnoticed and unaddressed if Trump is reelected. Despite the millions who protested police shootings of Black individuals like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, it must be assumed that such violent incidents will not be reduced during a second Trump term.

Climate Change

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris believe in climate change and have at least shown a partial commitment to lowering emissions, investing in clean energy, and working towards energy efficiency and congregation by pledging a $2 trillion investment in such efforts. Trump and Pence, on the other hand, have rolled back many EPA protections and conservation efforts, and are fully in support of increased oil and gas drilling, compromising already fragile environments.

Healthcare

Finally, while Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have pledged to increase access to affordable health care coverage for low-income earners, Donald Trump and Mike Pence have worked to question the legality of coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions and to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

The future — some even say the soul — of this country is at stake in Tuesday’s election. Make sure your vote reflects the values you emphasize in your home, place of work, and community, and above all, make sure you use the power you have to make a difference.

Check out iwillvote.com to check your registration status, find your polling place, and more.