US first-time voters expect a high-risk election between Harris and Trump

For millions of Americans, November 5th will be the first time they vote for president in a US election.

With poll numbers showing a close race, first-time voters say they feel enormous pressure in the election between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris and expect a sharp divide between the parties.

The BBC spoke to seven of them from across the political spectrum about taking part in a US election for the first time.

We begin with a voter who is fearful of the level of partisanship now shaping U.S. elections.

Denise participates in community outreach encouraging young people to vote and support the Harris-Walz ticket.

It’s certainly disheartening to see how much bipartisanship has increased in recent years. You can watch old clips of the presidential debate and see how warm the candidates can be, and now you’re seeing a turnaround in politics.

When you see candidates misleading their voters into being “either on our side or on their side,” it is almost ignorant, not at all professional, and does not reflect who we want our commander in chief to be.

I feel uncomfortable because you would think this would be an easy choice. You’d think I wouldn’t be afraid of the outcome of this election because the results are so different day and night, but that’s true.

During the 2020 election, Aleksei began to delve into politics and realized the power behind his planned vote for Trump.

I support Trump, but I’m somehow unhappy with the way his campaign is going. I feel that Kamala is not suitable for the job and overall there is a feeling that both sides are very party-centric.

Trump was an independent voice in 2016, it felt like he was going against the establishment of both parties.

There is no independent voice now and that is demoralizing to me. It makes me feel like it’s a return to that chaotic normality of two parties who both want to get us into wars and don’t care about the people of this country.

Melina is eager to vote for a candidate who will focus on abortion access and climate change. She believes Harris is her best choice.

Before the election it was very overwhelming. I receive a lot of information, especially on social media.

Before Harris was nominated, I still insisted on voting for Joe Biden because I felt that many of the rights that I believe are important would be prioritized under a Biden administration. But I’m prouder now to stand behind Harris.

We could have our first female president.

Lydia’s main issue in this election is abortion; She travels the country encouraging young people to vote for anti-abortion activists and policies.

I cannot trust a candidate who refuses to protect the unborn child. If they can’t protect preborn children, I can’t trust them to protect any of us.

I’m voting for Trump because he is the most pro-life candidate and the most lives will be saved under him.

This election is very heated and I can feel that clearly. As part of Generation Z, I know we are a target for both candidates. I’ve been focused on getting our generation to vote pro-life first.

Simon moved to the US from Britain in 2011 and said he used to support Trump but couldn’t vote at the time.

Since the 2016 election, everything seems much more divisive.

The only thing I miss about the British system is the viable third party; At the moment there is left and right, and there is very little in the middle.

The division is quite disturbing because I don’t see any end to it.

At this point, I support Harris. There is very little about Trump that I like, especially on a personal level, and when it comes to his policies, there is nothing that makes me think I would vote for him.

Devynn’s interest in politics was sparked when he saw the January 6 riots at the Capitol. It’s on her mind as she casts her first ballot.

My family is the opposite of me when it comes to politics, but I’ve always been able to discuss things politely.

Now it feels like we can’t have as many civil conversations anymore, and that’s not necessarily what I imagined.

Trump is stoking this division, and the nastiness is in some ways supported by his policies.

As soon as he is no longer in the candidate selection, it won’t be so bad anymore.

Alli has found this election cycle tense, but she is committed to casting her first vote for Trump.

Even when you bring up something about the election, many people get into arguments.

I will be voting for Trump this fall because as much as I agree with his beliefs and policies, I am also drawn to him by his oratory skills and charisma.

There is something about both Trump and Vance that captivates me in what they talk about.

I want my voice to be heard.

North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher breaks down the race for the White House in his weekly newsletter, US Election Unspun.

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