My stomach has been in knots all day. I have already gotten into multiple arguments with my family members and peers regarding the presidential election. The sheer thought of another four years of this administration makes me feel as though my heart leapt into my throat. I am scared. 

While I know that we may not even know the official outcome of the election tonight, it still feels final. Whomever is announced as the winner tonight, or early morning tomorrow, or even possibly in the next few weeks or so, there will be a whirlwind of emotions for everyone. 

If Trump secures his re-election, my reaction will be similar to the one I had four years ago: tears, fear, and anger. I know I am not alone in this. The message a re-election sends will be a big middle finger to everyone looking for change. 

I want to believe that the U.S. is better than that. Better than choosing someone who has continuously shown a lack of empathy and basic human decency. However, I thought that last time. I thought we the people were a united front, not a group that would let ourselves be divided by bigotry and hatred. 

This election is largely driven by the fact that human rights are on the line. Trump winning would mean that the nation chose another four years of disrespecting people of color, women, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized communities. 

If Biden wins, I expect to feel the epitome of relief. While he was not my first choice candidate, he is what the Democratic Party has been given. The fact that we have a “lesser of two evils” this election is less than ideal, but the lesser winning is an absolute must. 

Biden winning would mean that we as a country learned from our mistake four years ago. That the United States realized that we needed and deserved better. That our family, friends, neighbors, and strangers all needed and deserved better. 

Either outcome demands a fight. It is not a let be and let live sort of deal this go-around. If Trump wins, the U.S. might continue to feel like a battleground, because in some cases, it needs to be. If our government won’t fight for what is right, our people have to. If Biden wins we cannot become complacent, but continue the trek to a better America.

Sabine Waldeck is a junior studying journalism. Editor-in-chief Diti Kohli did not edit this article due to a conflict of interest. If you would like to respond to this thought piece in the form of a letter to the editor, email [email protected]. Letters may be edited for style and clarity.