The 2016 election is by far one of the strangest elections in American history and just when it seems to calm down, it gets even more bizarre. This election has had controversies, scandals, extreme personal attacks, far-reaching and near-sighted proposals, major gaffs by every candidate, and even the realization that the playing field amongst candidates is not always fair. This election cycle has gone on a path never seen before in any prior election, which makes this election so hard to relate to and understand. Truly, this election has been watched and covered more like a reality show, where anything and everything can be said or done without or fear or consequence. It has been an election less about policy and more about the drama of each candidate’s climb to the top of the political ladder. This election has, in many ways, completely disregarded the honor and integrity of the pursuit of the highest office in the United States. Sometimes it seems as though the candidates and the American people need a reminder that this race is about who will lead the most powerful nation in history, and not about saying what is funny, antagonizing or popular.

Think back for a moment when you learned about the lead up to the American Civil War in your high school history class. Now think more specifically about mid-1859, when the United States was at a crossroads in its’ history. The United States was on the brink of civil war and was about to vote that November for President, in what quite arguably could have been the most consequential election in United States’ history. The two most popular candidates, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, were both vying for the power of the Presidency. Both had many differing views and ideas and they both debated furiously throughout their careers against each other in order to climb the political ladder. However, the key differences between the election debates in 1859 and now, is that the candidates then debated about substantive issues.

Today, in 2016, we have the complete opposite of debates over substantive issues. Today we have arguments over a candidates’ physical features, personal misconduct, personal affairs and anything that can distract the American people from the pressing and urgent issues of our time, which are various and demanding. Candidates who ran for President used to reflect the best the American people could put forward, and now it seems the race comes down to who is the lesser of two evils.

As a millennial, it is sad to see this election process turn into the mess it is now, but we the American people have the ultimate say in whether we support those that made this election the way it is or punish them for disregarding the true issues. We simply have the power of voting. That is why the fall of 2016 is a test of the integrity of the American people. Will we vote for the lesser of evils presented to us, or will we change course completely and vote for and support candidates that uphold the integrity of simply running for the office of Presidency? The choice is the American people's to make; let us hope we make a right choice.