Disturbing memories of the 2016 election have arisen as the country once again faces the prospect of choosing between two candidates who would not be the first choice of many Americans. 

This time it is Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Both have been accused of sexual assault, which understandably makes it very difficult to choose between the two to represent the morals of the country.

But the significant difference between the two is that Donald Trump is an imminent threat to the essence of our democracy, and Joe Biden is not.

If Trump were re-elected, it would set the precedent that impeachment for abuse of power is frivolous and that a president can rule unchecked. It would allow personal agendas to surmount global emergencies. 

Instead, any Democratic president would enact vast environmental protections and re-enter the climate agreements that Trump removed the United States from — two promises Joe Biden has made. 

Additionally, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who is 87 years old, likely will retire during the next presidential term. Dems should want a Democrat president to appoint another justice to lean their way and help protect Roe v. Wade and women’s rights.

This is why it is necessary for Democrats to vote for blue for Joe Biden, even if it’s just a vote against the dismantling of freedom. 

When there is a rift in one party, the candidate from the other party wins handily. It is foolish to think history will not repeat itself. Bernie supporters considering a write-in or voting for a third-party candidate will only lock up another four years of Trump.

Call it what it is: A vote for a third-party candidate is a vote for Trump. A write-in is a vote for Trump. Most importantly, staying at home and not voting at all is a vote for Trump. 

The nation saw this clearly in 2016 when voter turnout hit a 20-year low, as many Democrats who did not approve of Hillary Clinton stayed home and Trump was elected.

Going to the polls and deciding to “vote blue no matter who” will keep that from happening again. It’s hypocritical to preach disapproval of the Trump administration, but not want to unify the Democratic party to defeat him.

This “vote blue” motto should not necessarily apply to every election in the future. But when it comes to beating one of the most deceitful, egotistical, and insensitive presidents in history, it is vital.