In response to Jason Serinus’s article “Voting is mandatory because life depends on it,” I as a gay man with progressive values appreciate the counsel for everyone to vote, however I disagree with the assertion that “[v]oting for someone other than Harris or Trump is tantamount to throwing away your vote.”

Personally I will vote for Democrats on a local level but plan to vote for Jill Stein and Butch Ware for President and Vice President. This action is not “throwing away” my vote. The Harris campaign did not earn my vote, but the Stein-Ware campaign did. Ergo, I allocate my vote to them.

Stein is better on reproductive rights, has concrete solutions and a solid platform. Will she win? Nope. But I cannot fall for the fallacy that “just this time” I cannot vote my conscience and must support the corporatist, Cheney-aligned, pro-war, pro-genocide, anti-bodily autonomy, conservative DNC.

When am I allowed to vote my conscience? 2028? 2032? I choose now.

The stakes are incredibly high and I cannot reward the DNC with my vote. A vote = consent. I do not consent to rewarding the DNC and Kamala Harris with a position of executive power. And, yes, I do understand that Trump is not aligned with my values. But a Harris administration will not be prosperous, peaceful, nor will it protect women’s bodies, LGBTQ people, nor will it elevate marginalized communities and people of color.

I am unconcerned if the DNC loses in November and has to pivot and reinvent themselves. If such happens, it’s not my problem and it’s not my fault.

The DNC has lost their way. They need to fix their house, do some succession planning, and establish concrete values. Or they can be relegated to history and a true progressive party can emerge.

Alex Liberato

Port Ludlow