I had the privilege of watching Adam Kinzinger speak at the Democratic National Convention. His words resonated deeply with me as he spoke about the need to prioritize our country over party politics, a sentiment that couldn’t be more relevant in today’s America. 

As someone who has spent years in government and public affairs, I know firsthand how fragile our democracy can be. I know that the urgency of this moment demands that we overcome our partisanship so that we may unite to defend this great country from those who would do irreparable harm. 

Let me be clear: Democracy works. But it requires constant vigilance and participation. Each test we have faced as a nation reminds us that democracy is not guaranteed; it is earned and maintained by our commitment to the principles of liberty, equality, and justice. 

The upcoming election is not about business as usual. It is not simply a contest between principled leaders who would keep the health of this American experiment central to their administration. 

This choice is different; this choice will determine the future of our democracy. Indeed, it will determine if we have a democracy at all. Kamala Harris represents more than a political party — she represents a commitment to preserving the democratic ideals that have defined our nation since its inception. 

As a conservative, I may not align with all of her policies, but I recognize the importance of supporting a candidate who believes in the sanctity of our democratic processes, unlike Donald Trump. 

The threat to our democracy is real and immediate. We have all seen how lies, misinformation, and divisive rhetoric can undermine the very foundation of our democratic institutions. That’s why after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capital, Adam Kinzinger founded Country First — a non partisan movement dedicated to activating the "Reasonable Majority," defending democracy, solving problems, and mending divisions to renew the promise of the American Dream and create real opportunity for all. 

The events of Jan. 6 were a stark reminder of how close we came to losing our democracy. It was a day when the integrity of our electoral process was called into question, not by a foreign adversary keen on dividing and weakening this great country, but by those within our own borders. 

As Adam noted in his remarks, we cannot afford to numb ourselves to the truth. We cannot disengage or fail to rise to this moment. To do so would be to jeopardize the very fabric of our nation. The January 6th Committee's findings made clear that there are those among us who are more interested in power than in the preservation of our democratic values. This is why it is crucial that we support leaders who are committed to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law, regardless of party affiliation. 

But preserving democracy is not just the responsibility of our leaders — it is the responsibility of each and every one of us. Voting is the most direct way we can influence the direction of our country, but our role does not end there. 

We must stay informed, engage in meaningful conversations with our neighbors, and hold our elected officials accountable. We must reject the politics of fear and division and instead, work towards a more inclusive and just society for all Americans. (Please make sure that you are registered to Vote. You can do so at vote.gov. If you want to take it a step further, consider staffing your local polling place to ensure we have safe, fair, and efficient elections. Sign up at powerthepolls.org.) 

One of democracy's greatest strengths is its capacity for change. It is a system that is constantly evolving, shaped by the voices of the people, and always striving toward a more perfect union. But for democracy to function effectively, those voices must be heard. We cannot sit on the sidelines and expect others to fight for our rights and freedoms. We all have a part to play in this ongoing experiment in self-governance.

Democracy works, but only if we all do our part to protect it. Let us rise to the occasion and fulfill our duty as citizens of this great nation. 

Alexander Walker is a consultant and researcher based out of Austin, Texas. Walker is a graduate of both the University of Texas at Austin and Georgetown University where he studied government.