What a Vote in This Election Meant to Me
By Tran Zen Belila Torres
Photos and videos of burning skies, burning forests, burning flags, and burning cities consistently flooded my social media feeds this year. Scrolling through these felt so surreal at times—as if this year was nothing but a dumpster fire. But, they also made me realize that the only way we can put out the fire is if we work together.
Before the 2020 Presidential election - the first I voted in - I never considered myself as a highly “political” person. I even often distanced myself from people that identified as such. Hearing the word “politics” conjured images of men in black suits crowded around a huge round table with a single source of light perfectly positioned in the middle. It was an influential sphere that deliberated on ways to advance their selfish interests, ones that are riddled with deception and greed. However, the series of events that unfolded this year revealed that politics is much more than that. For many, being “political” means fighting for their lives and safety.
First, the historic wildfire season that ravaged millions of acres along the West Coast highlighted the urgency behind climate change action. However, instead of being met with federal support, the respective state officials were met with skepticism of the detrimental effects of climate change. The communities that lived in these areas were forced to experience the myriad of environmental injustices brought about by climate change; all the while, dealing with the increasing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. From this event, I recognized that the elected representatives of America chose to remain insensitive to these issues. Therefore, for me, a vote in this election was a vote for climate and environmental justice.
Second, the agonizing cries of the bereaved and brutalized overwhelmed the city-streets as they begged for racial equality. Leaders in power have failed to acknowledge that structural racism has reinforced ways to perpetuate racial group inequity, and instead responded with highly-militarized attacks on civilians in the name of “law and order.” Through their many actions, they have deliberately promoted the casual dehumanization of the oppressed. African-American communities continue to disproportionately suffer at the hands of corrupt officers. From this event, I am reminded to say their names: George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Elijah McCain, and many more. Therefore, for me, a vote in this election was a vote for racial equality and justice.
Third, having been raised in the Philippines, the value of bayanihan was instilled in me at a young age. This roughly translates to a strong spirit of communal unity and social cooperation. This value constitutes a core essence of my identity. It necessitates that I stand in solidarity not only with my fellow Filipinos and Filipino-Americans, but also with others in the larger community. It requires that I support a path that uplifts the underprivileged suffering from systemic injustices. It demands that I cast my vote driven with compassion. It necessitates that I elect representatives that align with this ideal. Therefore, for me, a vote in this election was a vote to show that I stand with the oppressed and the silenced.
The reason I decided to vote in this election was simple: I wanted to make my voice heard and enact some sort of change. I knew I needed to vote not for myself, not for a particular candidate, not for a political party, but for the future direction I wanted the country to take. Because only when we rise together, against all odds, can real change happen.
At the end of the day, we must remind ourselves that this system of government belongs to us, the American people.
Tran Zen Belila Torres grew up in Pampanga, Philippines, and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada at 14 years old. He is currently pursuing a B.A. in Spanish Literature and Culture with minors in Public Health and Political Philosophy at the University of Nevada, Reno. He expects to graduate in the spring of 2022. Having been exposed to severe inequalities at a young age, Torres is passionate about serving underprivileged populations. He hopes to continue this passion by pursuing a career in medicine with a focus on community health.