The upcoming election is rapidly approaching on November 5, 2024, so it’s time for the American people to get the chance to speak their voices and vote. Initially, the people must become knowledgeable about presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald J. Trump. To be ready for this election, it’s important to investigate their past governmental roles, their plans for the future, and the policies they plan to follow through with. Both candidates have a long list of experience, leading them on the road to the White House.
Current Vice President Kamala Harris has shown her support for America primarily by using her background and experience as District Attorney of San Francisco and Attorney General of California to preserve rights and justice for the people of America. Vice President Harris hopes to start “a new way forward,” focusing on policies that support a strong and growing middle class, including removing barriers to opportunity and creating jobs to grow our economy, as well as advocating for pro-choice abortion policies.
On the other hand, the 45th President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, is up for his third election hoping to restore the old values of America and create a country supported and run by Americans. Trump is not only known as a politician and president, but also a media personality, and a very successful businessman. His goals while in office include sealing the border and focusing on issues like immigration reform and economic growth through tax cuts, to make America affordable again.
This current election is very detrimental to the future of our country, and it’s important we know where votes are going and the effects that has on America.
“We are at an important crossroads in our global history,” social studies teacher Dylan Kitchen said. “The war in Ukraine seems to be escalating, turmoil is spreading in the Middle East, and other countries are actively challenging the status quo of our world’s order. The United States can either play a critical role in confronting authoritarianism and extremism, or we can choose to exist in isolation and allow events to take their course. On a more local scale, this election will likely have lasting ramifications as it is expected that at least one or two Supreme Court seats will be open in the coming years.”
Now that the candidates and the future of America have been discussed, let’s move on to the important part: voting. This year Lincoln East High School will be conducting a student vote that exemplifies the importance of being a voter.
“Student vote is an incredible opportunity for students to practice being responsible voters,” Lincoln East Student Council representative, Elizabeth Mason, said. “By participating in student vote, students gain the experience of voting without the responsibility. As Gen Z becomes eligible to vote, it is crucial that our generation utilizes their influence in an educated and responsible manner to ensure the future success of our local and federal government.”
This upcoming student vote will not only feature the two presidential candidates but also an initiative and third party candidate replicating the Nebraska ballot for 2024. It is very valuable to become educated on initiatives as well because they play a major role in creating laws in the State of Nebraska.
“The student vote ballot will include three presidential candidates, including one third-party candidate,” Mason said. “Additionally, students will vote on both of Nebraska’s open seats in the US Senate and the District 1 seat in the House of Representatives. The only initiative on the student vote ballot is Initiative Measure 436 regarding paid sick leave.”
Stay up to date on reliable news sources including AP News, Bloomberg, and CBS News for the best neutral coverage on this monumental election that features more than just two candidates.
