A call for letters on the presidential contenders

The 2024 election season has been a whirlwind. At times — with two attempted assassinations and an incumbent president leaving the race — it's been shocking. Pundits and analysts have weighed in repeatedly with their analysis and expectations. Now, as voting is about to get underway in New York, Newsday Opinion invites you, our readers, to make the case for your presidential pick. 

Are you excited to cast a vote for former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris? Or are you so frustrated you intend to leave unchecked the box at the top of the ticket? While there are no third-party candidates on the state's ballot, a voter may write in any name. A nationwide Pew poll last month found that roughly the same share of voters — 44% for Harris, 47% for Trump — say the candidate makes them feel uneasy. Will such unease make you more likely to split your vote between president and congressional candidates as a balance? 

Surely, many voters have already made their choices but others are still undecided or uncertain about their selection. At a time when political discussions can turn heated and uninformative, we seek to host a conversation among Long Islanders. When you send us your choice, aim to be persuasive. Talk, don't yell; imagine it's a friendly discussion with a neighbor, co-worker or cousin.

Be passionate but civil. Our goal is for readers to gain an honest understanding of why someone else has a different point of view. That's important because understanding someone else's motivation, their hopes and worries, and why they may think differently will better enable us to move forward as a community after the election. Continued anger and division will not improve our lives. If any of your biographical information influences your choice, including this detail will help others understand your perspective.

Your letter should be no more than 200 words and should include your full name and community. Also include your phone number for verification purposes only. Please email letters@newsday.com with "Vote" in the subject line. Or go to newsday.com/submitaletter  to access an online form. The deadline for submissions is Monday, Oct. 14. We intend to publish as many letters as feasible the following week. Newsday, as always, reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and brevity.

We look forward to your responses.

— Rita Ciolli, Opinion Editor