I voted today, on Nov. 5, to make my voice heard because not voting was not an option for me, and it would not help either Gaza or Lebanon.

From day one, I knew I would not vote for either Trump or Harris because they both support the Israeli genocide in Gaza and are hostile toward Muslims, Palestinians, and Lebanese people.

Dr. Jill Stein was my candidate. She was the only anti-genocide candidate. She met with Arab and Muslim Americans and participated in pro-Palestinian protests against the US-Israeli genocide in Gaza, which I knew of. I was fully aware that it would be nearly impossible for Jill Stein to win, but I would not sleep well at night if I voted for either Trump or Harris, whom I refer to as "Doormat Donny" and "Holocaust Harris."

My initial response after Jill Stein's name was removed from the ballot in Ohio 10 days prior was sadness and disappointment. It was time to choose another write-in candidate. After serious thought, I decided on Ghadi Francis for President and Rania Khalek for Vice President. After filling out my absentee ballot and before mailing it, I realized Ghadi Francis was not a U.S. citizen (Sorry, Miss Ghadi).

Therefore, I decided to vote in person and had to pick two other write-in candidates. I settled on Dr. Sumaya Hamadmad for President and Rania Khalek for Vice President, while I concluded that the two Senate candidates were far worse than Harris and Trump. So, I selected Mazen Rasul, a local Palestinian attorney, for my write-in Senate race. I will explain why I chose these three individuals as my write-in candidates.

I drove to Whittier Elementary School, where my four youngest children attended, to cast my vote. Upon showing my ID to the voting official, I was informed that I had already received an absentee ballot to vote by mail. I explained that I had changed my mind and had not mailed my ballot. The gentleman directed me to the provisional table, where they explained that I had to fill out the ballot by hand.

The two voting officials, Daniel and Alicia, were very pleasant and helpful. I asked if I was authorized to take a picture of the ballot after I finished making my choices. They were not entirely sure, as they had never been asked this question before. I, too, was unsure. I was asked to wait while one of them went to ask a higher-up official named Susan for clearance.

Meanwhile, Alicia kept calling the Franklin County Board of Elections but only reached an answering machine. Finally, Susan called a private number and received approval—only for taking a picture of the section showing my write-in candidates. I was fine with that, as it meant I had physical proof of my write-in choices. I was honest with them from the beginning, explaining that I am a freelance writer, and I was writing an article about the election, how I voted, and why.

This was the most interesting election I have voted in since I came to America 47 years ago this week. Personally, I believe the highest form of patriotism is exercising my right to free speech, even when it is not popular. For that reason, free speech is what I value most about living in America.

Who Were the Three Write-In Candidates I Chose:

Ghadi Francis: A brilliant war correspondent stationed in Lebanon. I replaced her because she was not a U.S. citizen.

Rania Khalek: An award-winning investigative journalist who received the Seymour Hersh Award. I watched her speak on TV and debate pro-genocide guests about Gaza and Lebanon more than any other Arab American. Rania is of Lebanese descent.

Dr. Sumaya Hamadmad: One of the most distinguished members of the Central Ohio Muslim community. A Syrian-born woman, I do not recall attending any pro-Palestinian rally or protest in Columbus where she and her family were not present. Dr. Hamadmad is an OSU research scientist in the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science at the College of Medicine. She continues to fight the city of Columbus to drop charges against her and 38 other pro-Palestinian activists at OSU last April for condemning the Israeli genocide and forced starvation in Gaza.

Attorney Mazen Rasoul: A local Palestinian advocate, organizer, and successful lawyer. I have known him for a long time, and he is a one-man army. Mazen was shamefully removed twice from campaign events featuring Senator Sherrod Brown for simply asking, "Why did you not call for a ceasefire in Gaza?" Mazen is from Al-Bireh near Ramallah in occupied Palestine.

This election stands out as the most significant I have participated in since my arrival in America 47 years ago. Exercising my right to free speech, even if unpopular, is the highest form of patriotism in my view. It is what I value most about living in this country.

Mahmoud El-Yousseph is a Palestinian freelancer for Islamicity.com and ColumbusFreePress.com. He can be reached at [email protected].