Voters across the nation have distinct choices for president this year, but that divergence is most pronounced for those of us on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Hillary Clinton has deep experience in government – as first lady, as a senator and as secretary of state – in promoting international relations that are key in an increasingly interconnected world. Donald Trump has no such experience and has shown himself to be a bigot and xenophobe.

A Trump presidency would be a disaster for our country, and worse for those of us on the border. His promises to make Mexico pay for a needless wall between our nations, and his vow to unilaterally terminate vital trade agreements, would disrupt one of the United States’ most important international relationships and set the border economy back decades.

When he announced his candidacy, Trump made it clear that he would target immigrants – especially Mexican immigrants – to win votes. “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re not sending you. They’re not sending you. They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”

El Paso can answer that barbarous lie in the Nov. 8 election.

The most powerful answer is to cast a ballot for Clinton, who comes well-prepared for the presidency. In her eight years as first lady, she was uniquely engaged in a number of crucial issues. In eight years in the Senate, she was an effective lawmaker who developed a reputation as someone who could work with her fellow Democrats and Republicans. In four years as secretary of state, she worked closely with world leaders on pressing global concerns.

Clinton has her flaws, as is true of every president in our history. Most concerning is a default instinct against transparency, which led to the poor and potentially dangerous decision to use a private email server for her official correspondence as secretary of state.

Trump’s shortcomings are in a different galaxy than Clinton’s. His chief credential, his business experience, is questionable at best. His refusal to release his tax returns indicates that his transparency deficits are at least the equal of his opponent’s.

Most importantly, Trump is temperamentally unfit to lead our nation and command our armed forces. In a military community like El Paso, his lack of experience or understanding of national security issues is personal.

He has said he would order troops to commit war crimes. He has said he would have ordered naval forces to open fire on an Iranian vessel for its sailors making inappropriate gestures at U.S. forces.

In this election, voters have a choice between Clinton, who is one of the best-prepared nominees in recent decades, and Trump, who is historically unqualified to sit in the Oval Office. Other candidates are on the ballot as well, but none match Clinton’s qualifications, and none can effectively block the detestable prospect of a Trump presidency.

The El Paso Times editorial board endorses Hillary Clinton for president. Voting for her allows El Pasoans to push back on efforts to marginalize and demonize our community.