Tension and political polarization are reaching an all-time high as voters anxiously anticipate Nov. 5. 

It’s easier to blame those who don’t agree with us, calling them ignorant or brainwashed. But this hatred only divides us further and that does not move this country forward. 

This is especially evident in the generational divide between the youngest and oldest voters, Gen Z voters and Baby Boomers, respectively. 

There is currently a shift underway in which Millenials and Gen Z will replace Baby Boomers and Gen X as composing the bulk of voters, according to a June 13 University of Michigan Press article. 

In addition to this shift, there is also a stark difference in the political opinions of Gen Z and Baby Boomers. 

Only a little over half of voters under the age of 25 identify with a political party. Of that 52%, 38% are Democrats, 14% are Republicans and the rest have no party affiliation, according to an April 9 Pew Research Center report. 

Of voters over age 80, 77% identify with a party. Forty-nine percent identify as Republicans and 28% identify as Democrats, while only two in ten say they do not affiliate themselves with a particular party, according to the same report.  

These percentages are based upon which political ideation individuals identify or affiliate with out of a sample of registered voters.    

With both age groups having experienced completely different life events as well as different social, emotional and technological advances, it only makes sense that there would be a divide. 

I’ve seen evidence of this in the cultural zeitgeist and in my own life. Insults thrown back and forth blaming one group’s laziness and the other group’s stubbornness. All coming to a head of not understanding why and how the opposing side holds the values and expectations that they do. 

I interviewed my grandfather, Bruce Langlan. Born in 1942, he is on the cusp of the Baby Boomer and the Silent generation. He is an 82-year-old Vietnam Marine veteran who is experiencing multiple myeloma as a consequence of his exposure to Agent Orange.

Agent Orange is a toxic herbicide that was used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam war in order to clear foliage used for cover and eliminate vegetation from U.S. bases, according to a Feb. 10, 2023 Cleveland Clinic article. 

He is not alone. 

Over 50,000 Vietnam veterans received compensation from the Agent Orange Settlement Fund following a class action lawsuit by Vietnam veterans and their families regarding injuries and disabilities they attributed to Agent Orange exposure.     

His life experiences are wholly different from mine and no matter how intently I listen, I will never completely understand them. These experiences shape his opinions and beliefs, ultimately directing his voting choice.  

We talked about these differences as voting season comes to a close in a matter of weeks. 

“That’s the million dollar question,” Langlan said after reflecting on all the differences between our generations. “I don’t know how you bridge the gap between generations.”

He expressed confusion as to why younger generations hold certain opinions and outlined the key differences in how we gain our information and the changes in the school system as a whole. 

I can hold space for these observations but I truly only know my own experience, just as he only knows his. This makes it hard for the oldest and youngest generations currently voting to understand where the other is coming from. 

“Well, you can be exposed and listen to a lot of differences, but some of the differences are so extreme,” he said. 

I feel the same way. It is nearly impossible to listen to someone when their opinion is just so different from your own. That prickly feeling, that twisting in my gut turns me away from holding any space for the other person’s beliefs.  

It comes down to realizing that, Democratic or Republican, liberal or conservative, each person casts their vote towards what they think is best for this country. 

“I think a political leader has to be honest with the people and express what they plan to do to help the country and help the people,” he said. 

In voting, people just want their voices heard. They want their experiences taken into account. Their desire to better the world in the way that they see fit is reflected in their vote. Even if we cannot fathom their choice bettering the country.  

Agreeing is not necessary, as this would undermine the diversity of opinion that is so necessary to make a country run. 

Just remember to hold compassion and non-judgment this voting season, no matter how difficult this may be. Our life experiences, sources of information and upbringing heavily influence the beliefs we hold. 

And most of all, don’t forget to vote.