Why is voting so important? Most people have very different opinions about voting and whether it matters or not.
Voting is the basis of the American government. We have the privilege of voting while many people in other countries or circumstances do not. While our voting system could use some reformation, it is important to use the voice we are given for ourselves and those who cannot be heard. When you vote you are voting for the past not to happen again, to improve the present, and to have hope for the future.
Voting is not just about political parties but is difficult because while parties have vastly different opinions on certain issues, the person matters the most. The party in power will have more influence on legislation but the same party does not equal the same view. The upcoming 2024 election will be important for the future of America. Many in the Gen-Z generation will be able to vote and utilize their power to fight for positive change. At the same time, it is disappointing but not surprising that a convicted criminal is allowed to run for re-election along with those accused of being sexual predators. I hope we find the inspiration to make change happen.
The candidates this year are as follows, with descriptions from the New York Times
Democrats:
Biden: “Current President. He is expected to campaign on his bipartisan accomplishments, like a major infrastructure bill, and his support for Democratic priorities, like abortion rights, that Republicans staunchly oppose. He is running for re-election as the oldest person ever to hold the presidency, a subject of concern among many democrats, though the party has publicly set aside those worries and rallied around him.”
Phillips: “A moderate democrat elected to the House in 2018, has few major policy disagreements with President Biden and has supported his agenda in Congress, but argues that Mr. Biden’s age and low approval ratings mean the party should nominate someone else.”
Republicans:
Trump: “Former President Donald J. Trump is running to retake the office he lost in 2020, then denied losing to the point of inciting a mob of his supporters to attack the United States Capitol.”
Haley: “A former governor of South Carolina and United Nations ambassador under Mr. Trump, has presented herself as a member of “a new generation of leadership” and emphasized her life experience as a daughter of Indian immigrants.”
Binkley: “The president of a mergers and acquisitions firm and the pastor of a Texas church. He has never held or run for elected office before.”
Independent and third-party:
Kennedy: “A nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, is a prominent anti-vaccine activist. He initially ran for the Democratic nomination before announcing in October that he would run as an independent instead.”
West: “Cornel West has taught at Yale, Princeton, and Harvard and is currently a professor of philosophy at Union Theological Seminary. He is known for his progressive activism, including his sharp criticism of former President Barack Obama.”
Stein: “A physician who ran for president on the Green Party ticket in 2012 and 2016, is seeking the party’s nomination for a third time. In a video announcing her campaign, she called for an “economic bill of rights” that would include a guaranteed right to employment, health care, housing, food, and education, and also highlighted support for combating climate change and protecting abortion and transgender rights.”