With the closing of both the Republican and Democratic national conventions, the stage is finally set for the biggest political showdown since 2020 – with a few returning key players as the selected candidates for the respective parties.

Former President Donald J. Trump has officially been nominated to run once again for the Republicans, this time with JD Vance as his VP, a United States Senator from Ohio. On the other side of the aisle, sitting Vice President Kamala Harris has exited the DNC with Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota, as her running mate. There is fierce support for both candidates on their sides of the aisle. 

Voters all around the country are now listening intently as both candidates state their platforms as the clock ticks on, 69 days remain until Election Day on November 5.

The size, scale and importance of this particular election has sparked interest in our local political scene as well, which is an incredible show of heart for so many in Sullivan County. For months, the various political groups, including the Democratic Committee, the Republican Committee and Conservative Party, have congregated, endorsed and cheered on their selected candidate with unwavering and enduring support. The dedication to our democracy is nothing short of admirable, and we thank each and every activist whose person upholds the importance of the vote.

This is our great American project at work – it can be divisive and messy at times, but at its heart, it is the hope of the Founding Fathers put into practice. After much deliberation at the national level, the race is fully on and the American people are more ready than ever to place their ballots.