A Young Voter’s Dilemma — British Nigerian Activist and Political Commentator Adeshola Mos-Shogbamimu’s Conversation with Her Daughter Reveals the Nuanced Challenges of Voting in Polarized Times
In a polarized election year dominated by fervent debates and complex geopolitics, a conversation between lawyer and political activist Adeshola Mos-Shogbamimu and her daughter shines a light on a struggle familiar to many young, first-time voters. It’s a dilemma about choosing between personal values and strategic voting – a reality that underscores the weight of a vote, far heavier than simply ticking a box.
Mos-Shogbamimu’s daughter, who turned 18 this year, is a pro-Palestinian voter torn between her ethical stance and political pragmatism. Ideally, she would cast her first vote for Green Party candidate Dr. Jill Stein, whose platform aligns with her conviction against the U.S. support of Israel in its conflict with Palestine. Yet, the daughter also recognizes that Stein has little chance of winning, while Kamala Harris, whom she sees as the more viable candidate against Donald Trump, does not share her clear pro-Palestinian stance.
This internal conflict of values versus pragmatism is a recurring narrative among younger voters. In her daughter’s words, a vote for Stein may ease her conscience but yield no real impact in the election. This pragmatic insight reflects a level of self-awareness that many young voters grapple with – the frustrating reality that, in the American electoral system, third-party candidates seldom pose a viable path to victory. Voting for Harris, she reasons, may not bring the pro-Palestinian stance she desires, but it is a strategic choice to help avert a Trump presidency, which she believes poses a broader threat.
Mos-Shogbamimu presses her daughter on how she reconciles voting for Harris despite the candidate’s lack of a clear stance against actions in Israel that many view as war crimes. Her daughter acknowledges the disappointment, even the contradiction, but ultimately sees her vote as a defensive action rather than a moral endorsement. She fears that no matter who wins, Palestinians may still suffer, but she believes the potential harm under Trump extends further, affecting all vulnerable communities. This realization highlights a central paradox for many progressive voters: when every candidate appears flawed, voting can feel less like an endorsement of values and more like choosing the least harmful option.
In this light, Mos-Shogbamimu’s daughter views her vote as a form of resistance. She understands the electoral system’s imperfections but believes that avoiding a Trump presidency outweighs all else, even if it means sacrificing her ideal candidate. This concept of “strategic voting” is not new, yet for young people entering the political sphere for the first time, it is often a difficult and sobering realization. The daughter’s internal conflict reflects a growing frustration among young voters who value authenticity, progressive policies, and humanitarian stances, yet feel suffocated by the current binary choice.
Mos-Shogbamimu’s reflection on her daughter’s choice emphasizes an important lesson in parenting through political engagement. Instead of dictating how her daughter should vote, she encourages independent thinking. This approach, grounded in critical inquiry rather than persuasion, nurtures a vital skill for future generations: the ability to weigh one’s values against practical considerations, and to understand the implications of compromise.
The daughter’s decision to align with the political landscape as it exists, not as she wishes it to be, may be disheartening, but it demonstrates her maturity in navigating an imperfect democracy. This is not simply an exercise in political participation; it’s a moment of growth in civic responsibility and self-awareness. It also raises the need for a more representative political system that does not force voters into such painful compromises.
For parents, activists, and political analysts, Mos-Shogbamimu’s conversation with her daughter is a reminder of the profound importance of voter engagement beyond the ballot box. It speaks to the need for political education that encourages young people to think critically about their votes, recognize their impact, and engage with the complexities of democracy. In an age where young voters are disillusioned by polarized politics and systemic shortcomings, this conversation serves as a compelling narrative of resilience and thoughtful activism. It highlights a generation that, though disillusioned, remains hopeful and engaged, keen to shape a political future where their values might one day fully align with their vote.
