What’s the key issue behind how you’re voting in the presidential race?

What’s the Key Issue Behind How You’re Voting in the Presidential Race?

The presidential election is just around the corner, and many people are still deciding on which candidate to support. We asked Sun-Times readers what issues are driving their voting decisions, and we received over 300 responses. Here’s what some of them said, lightly edited for clarity.

The Importance of Democracy

• "Preserving democracy and restoring a woman’s right to bodily autonomy." — Jim Ritter, 57, North Lawndale
• "Democracy. We have a party that’s given up on the idea of democracy. Not only is that unacceptable, but they are incompetent. In the last two years, they haven’t even been able to pass a budget. Democrats are currently the only adults in the room." — Dale Johnson
• "I support democracy and oppose dictatorial fascist authoritarianism. I also support bodily autonomy." — Patrick Walls
• "It’s the most important election in my lifetime. Our democracy depends on who wins." — Linda Stern

Economic and Social Issues

• "Inflation is out of control." — Stephen M. Hernandez Sr., Cicero
• "Economy. Border. Prosecuting criminals and a strong foreign policy." — Christopher Lee
• "Environmental sustainability." — Debby Quock, 65, Campton Hills
• "The key issue for me is party. I’m voting a blue ticket and choosing female over male. The other party is lost, and their candidates are far from anything they want to see running, but they’re backed into a corner." — Laurie Lilja, over 60, western suburbs
• "Women’s rights to their bodies." — Paul Grossi

Morality and Character

• "A candidate’s character. Are they lying constantly? Have they been convicted of crimes? Do they want a divided country where anyone who supports a different party is threatened? Do they deny the horrors of the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021? If they lose, will they claim unproven widespread voter fraud?" — Paul Lockwood, 64, Woodstock

Other Priorities

• "Peace, prosperity and immigration/border security. I don’t recall Chicago having to spend tens of millions of unbudgeted taxpayer dollars for migrant care prior to the current administration." — Michael Bartello
• "Democracy, public education, civil rights, health care, social security, the environment, justice. … Oh, one issue? Civil rights/justice." — Julie Erbe, 67, far SW burbs

Conclusion

The responses above demonstrate the diverse range of issues that are driving people’s voting decisions. While some are focused on the importance of democracy, others are concerned about economic, social, and moral issues. As the election approaches, it’s clear that there are many priorities at stake, and individuals are weighing their values and beliefs to make an informed decision.

FAQs

• What are the most important issues in the presidential election?
  • The responses above highlight a range of issues, including democracy, economy, social justice, and morality.
• How do I decide which candidate to support?
  • Consider your values and beliefs, and weigh the candidates’ positions on the issues that matter most to you.
• What if I don’t agree with the responses above?
  • It’s okay! The goal is to understand the diversity of perspectives and priorities in the run-up to the election.