Champion High School seniors who turned eighteen before election day are eligible to vote. Among these students, many have different opinions about casting their first ballot and the importance of voting this year. Many different issues affect Charger votes.
The upcoming presidential election between Republican President Donald Trump and former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden takes place today, Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020. President Trump and Vice President Pence hope for re-election to another four year term, but former Vice President Biden—and his running mate, Kamala Harris—hope to beat him. This election will look a little different due to the effects of Coronavirus on the United States. Mail-in voting is causing tension for many. President Trump wanted to continue with traditional in-person voting, as outlined in the Constitution, while some, concerned about the ongoing pandemic, opposed this method. mail-in voting was permitted and American citizens have options for placing their ballots in 2020.
Eligible or not, Champion seniors have varying opinions about this election.
“It is just kind of something that you should do if you are able to. It is a privilege to influence how your country is going to be taken care of,” said senior Lauren Young. “If you can, you probably should, even if you don’t know exactly what you want from your political leaders. You should reach out and ask and talk to people who do know a little something about it, and make your decision based on that,” said Young.
Many 12th graders expressed a desire and readiness to take part in the process but are disappointed that they are too young to vote in this term.
“I cannot vote,” said senior Tori Murphy. “I am not 18. I would if I could.”
As for those who are voting, some believe this election is one of our most contentious, especially due to the pandemic.
“It is going to be an interesting election,” said senior Zack Schaefer, who is not yet 18. “No matter what side you are on, I think there is going to be a lot of information that we didn’t see before we voted.”
Many students report that sifting through the news and social media posts to find facts has become tedious.
“I just don’t know much about [politics]. It is just kind of more of a headache than it needs to be because politics are not what they used to be,” said Lauren Young. “It is a lot like reality TV, and it is hard to take it seriously.”
For most seniors, the presidential election is the only one they plan on participating in. Tori Murphy, on the other hand, plans to vote in the local elections as soon as she’s eligible.
“Being in the Environmental Club, we [talk] to senators and congressmen. It’s really important to see what your senators and congressmen are doing,” said Murphy. “I will definitely be voting with the local elections.”
Voters will also have to consider what issues they feel passionate about. Tori Murphy prioritizes environmental conservation issues.
“This year, I was trying to get things to happen with cleaning up the Cibolo Creek and the repairing zone. I am very passionate about that,” said Murphy.
Others feel strongly about the economy.
“I think a good economy is important. Unemployment and homelessness and all that can really take a toll on a person,” said Lauren Young. “Whoever can help us get the strongest economy fastest is basically who needs to be prioritized.”
Ally Evans, another senior who will vote today, has a different concern.
“Abortion is one of the main [issues] that I have a really strong opinion about,” said Evans.
Another issue people are weighing is the Coronavirus pandemic, which has put a strain on all other issues such as the economy.
“I think the pandemic is an important issue that I care about, and just being sure that there is a safe environment for everyone, and [the pandemic] also impacts the economy,” said Zach Schaefer. “The person who can best handle the pandemic is who I would vote for.”
The pandemic is on many voters’ minds because of COVID-19’s effect on many people and events this past year.
“We have seen how Trump has dealt with a lot of COVID, so people see how he works through that. Hearing how Biden has opinions on that and how he would like to fix things- people can listen to that and compare them,” said Evans.
However, some disagree, saying the pandemic should be kept separate from politics altogether.
“Personally, I don’t think COVID-19 should affect the election,” said Young. “I don’t think it is a political issue. I just think it is something unfortunate that happened that affected other things. We just need someone who is going to handle it well and it shouldn’t be a deciding factor.”
A lot has happened this year that will persuade voters. It’s up to the American citizens to cast a ballot and put who they believe is right in office. This year, many Chargers are ready to cast their first ballots.
“It is our civic duty because we have an obligation to express ourselves politically in order to affect the way things play out in our nation,” said Zack Schaefer. “Especially in times of uncertainty, like this. I think everyone has an obligation to try to help out in any way they can.”