Choosing sides: two teens explain who they're supporting for president--and why they chose to get involved.

• Position: Cover story

Why I'm for Hillary Clinton

BY VIVEKAE KIM, 17

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

What it means to be an American has changed and continues to change: By 2055, it's projected that the United States won't have any single racial or ethnic majority.

For a nation founded on the concepts of equality and diversity--one that's always had "minorities"--this represents a monumental shift. It's amazing that many of us will experience these changes in our lifetimes. But it also poses a challenge: How can we ensure we're simultaneously a diverse society and an inclusive one?

Hillary Clinton believes in a country that lives up to our founding motto: Epluribus unum--out of many, one--and that's why I'm with her. We need a leader who embraces all of our nation and all its racial, gender, and cultural diversity.

Clinton understands that issues of racial justice are inextricably connected to criminal justice reform, voting rights, gun control, access to higher education, and comprehensive immigration reform. She understands how to effectively govern. Her judgment, temperament, and understanding of the intricacies of policy are what we need to move our nation forward.

As the Illinois chair of High School Democrats of America, I've been able to meet and work with fellow Democrats. It's been inspiring to discover so many people who are passionate about the same issues I am. It's been incredibly rewarding to help mobilize fellow high schoolers to hold voter registration drives, community phone banks, and other election events.

But I've also been out in the field, knocking on doors to gauge support for Democrats and recruit volunteers. Over the summer, I made hundreds of phone calls to find out which way voters were leaning and to invite them to volunteer and show their support at local events. I've found that being active in politics is an essential avenue of societal change--a way to continually push for those same foundational ideals of equality and justice that we, as a nation, have yet to completely achieve.

This election is critically important for the American people. Knowing that my daily work for Hillary Clinton can help ensure that our nation fulfills its promise is incredibly empowering.

Why I'm For Donald Trump

KENNITH GONZALEZ, 15

UNION CITY, NEW JERSEY

After years of watching the news, last year I decided that simply watching was not enough. The issues of terrorism, unemployment, and illegal immigration were simply too important for me not to get involved.

My...