With the 2024 Presidential election concluding, politics have been a key conversation among students, especially those eligible to vote.
A unique aspect of the Unite Statis is the ability to voice opinions and elect leaders. Individuals have the right to vote, a liberty not all people around the world are given. Because of this, differing opinions are prevalent, leading to intense conversation and debate among people.
This election in particular holds weight, as the nation is the most divided it has been in a while. The US is battling extremities between the two parties, with very little, to no compromise.
Within the campaigning season alone, two assaination attempts have been made, illustrating the extremities of this year’s election.
”I think that people should stop being so extreme and I think that to work towards a more successful country, both sides need to have some sort of compromise,” senior Jake Lee said.
Students have unique views on politics and specific policies that are important to them. These hopes and dreams for our country are what drive the enthusiasm around this upcoming election.
”I would like to see more equality within our country, just more inclusion of everyone,” junior Lincoln Shepard said. “In a perfect world, everyone is treated fairly and gets the same opportunities.”
Student’s have voiced strong opinions towards the want for equality.
”People need to care more about other people. Racism needs to go away, I mean it won’t ever, but it needs to stop. The police brutality needs to end and we need more businesses in black communities,” senior La’Darius Barnett said.
Environmentalism is another key issue among students.
“I am really big on environmentalism and finding ways for corporations to combat climate change,” junior Vivian Baker said. “I am also big on gun reform and more security for assault weapons.”
Students are also concerned about the economy and inflation.
”I would like everything to be cheaper,” junior Graham Price said.
As a nation, despite our rare ability to elect our officials, only 66% of our nation’s voting-eligible population participated in the 2020 election. Voting is a choice, and many Americans differ in opinion on whether or not to vote.
”I am not planning on voting this year because I feel like the government is too involved,” Barnett said. “I think in general it is important to vote, but I don’t really feel like votes matter because it is more like a selection, not an election. They’re going to do whatever they want to do.”
Those who are unable to vote are also voicing their opinions over the importance of voting.
”I absolutely think that it is important for those who are 18 and able to vote, to vote,” Baker said. “I think voting is a great way to make your voice heard and I think that if you have an opinion on politics it’s really important to vote, that way you are sharing your opinion.”
Early voting is also an option that our country has, allowing people to cast their vote before election day. This ensures that everyone has a chance to vote.
”Yes I am voting in this election, I have voted early. I think voting is important because I think that it is part of our government and the constitution that everyone should vote and I think that everyone should exercise that right,” Lee said.
Though the results have been released, participating in future elections is just as important.
