From the beginning of this election cycle, I have known one thing: that I would not be voting for Donald Trump. Early on in the race, I did not think I would have to still be explaining this to anyone. But as Nov. 8 looms in the distance, I am left dealing with the characters in front of me to me.

It’s my first time to vote, and yes, I am voting for Hillary Clinton.

Long story short: Trump would be disastrous as the leader of our nation. Our country’s problems, as numerous as they are, would not evaporate if he were to step into the Oval Office. Perhaps America’s problems might actually, I dunno, get worse with Trump at the helm. 

I can’t pledge my allegiance to him, his character, his words or his actions. He goes too far. He is vicious to his enemies. He’s racist and has sexually assaulted women. Even his policy remarks that resonate with me cannot be trusted: he is so deceptive I cannot tell what he actually thinks.

With that in mind, I have spent the last several weeks reading articles, endorsements and pieces in an attempt to feel more settled about voting for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Despite Hillary’s obvious flaws and not-so-perfect track record, I would trust her to run a country. 

See, I think there comes a point – a threshold – that we have to define for ourselves: what is too much, what words cross a line, what actions cannot be overlooked? 

And examining the two characters standing in the national spotlight, one has crossed the threshold and cannot return to garner my vote. The other has raked up a few grievances, yet remains in my eyes the most fit option left standing.

Hillary Clinton may cause some damage in office. She might implement policies or Supreme Court justices I disagree with. Some of her actions rub me the wrong way. Yet I still believe this woman – who has dedicated her life to civil service – will do a mighty fine job on Pennsylvania Avenue.