In a recent article in the New York Times, Dr. Kerry Maguire reportedly threatened to divorce her dentist husband, Dr. Tom Stossel, if he voted for Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential Election. While we don’t know whether he actually voted for Trump (or whether she is going through with the divorce, if he did), it raises an interesting question: Will some couples opt for divorce over this particularly bitter election? Will the deep divides that have already split some families on this issue begin to affect marriages, as well?

Not a Typical Election

Perhaps it seems rash to divorce one’s spouse over their choice of presidential candidate, and in most situations, it probably would be. However, this was anything but a typical election, and for many, ideology had very little to do with it. On one hand, we had Hillary Clinton, a Democrat whose career had been marred by controversy and scandal—but still, we had the opportunity to elect our first-ever female President. On the other hand, we had Donald J. Trump, the boisterous billionaire-turned-reality-television-star who for many represented an opportunity to shake up the government—yet Trump is a controversial figure in his own right, known for racist, sexist and bullying remarks.

For many, this wasn’t a choice of Republican or Democrat, but a choice between two very polarizing characters fighting it out in the most unorthodox campaign season of our lifetimes. It’s little wonder that divisions have run deep, not just between friends, but among family members as well:

•    For many, a vote for Donald Trump meant a vote against females, minorities, or a vote in favor of white supremacy.
•    For many, a vote for Hillary Clinton meant a vote to propagate a corrupt political machine, or a death knell for the pro-life agenda.
•    For many, a vote for either candidate represented a chance to keep the other’s dangerous agenda at bay.

Is Politics a Reason for Divorce?

In most cases, probably not, but it’s understandable why some couples might be considering it. For many, this vote felt personal, and voting for the opposing candidate often represented a personal affront. That being said, if you’re currently at odds with your own spouse over the 2016 Presidential Election, remember that divorce is a serious and fairly permanent solution to what may be a temporary rift. Before you cite it as an irreconcilable difference, we recommend talking with your spouse at length to see if you can find common ground before deciding to separate.