The upcoming election on November 3 will reveal who will become the United States President. The election is between candidates Joe Biden, the Democratic Party nominee, and Donald Trump, the Republican Party nominee and incumbent. Those who are still unsure who to vote for can tune in to the next debate; which will take place on October 15 at 8:00 p.m. U.S citizens may vote in person or by mail in response to COVID-19, but Texas residents must be registered by October 5. All who can vote are encouraged to.
According to a WINGSPAN poll, the top three major issues that are most important to the student body are race and gender inequality, the COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare.
“Racial equality is the most important to me because it’s tied to a lot of policies in our nation (and around the world) that create an unfair system and lead to systematic oppression such as access to healthcare,” junior Mia Flores said.
Biden wants to establish more COVID testing sites, as many as 10 per state, as well as have governors mandate wearing masks. As far as healthcare is concerned, Biden wants to expand former president Barack Obama’s healthcare plan “Obamacare”. Biden also has agreed that racism exists, and plans to take action by putting money towards support to minority groups.
Trump has said he wanted to lower drug costs and has tried to get rid of the affordable healthcare act. Trump has consistently said that the pandemic is under control, however, has not placed any mandates on masks or curfews. He has not outright voiced his opinion on race or inequality but has said things that have made many U.S citizens question his stance.
“…Goals he has make no sense or they aren’t what are of importance at the moment. For example, he wanted to ban ’TikTok’ and tried so hard to do so when we have more important matters such as the pandemic, so I just think his priorities are not in order,” Young said.
Another poll suggests that the majority of voters know who their votes will go to. The polls results show that 53% of the Nests students would give their vote to Biden, while 25% stated they would vote for Trump.
“There is so much division in our country right now. There is no telling where the election is going to go. Everyone must vote, even if you think your candidate doesn’t have a shot,” history teacher April Bannert said.
The deadline to register to vote in Texas is October 5 for in-person voting. Early voting begins October 13 and ends October 30. All voters must be 18 years of age by the day of the election and must bring a form of identification such as license or passport. People who wish to register to vote can do so by clicking here. All voting must take place between 7 a.m to 7 p.m. Not only is it your right as an American, but your voice can be heard to make a difference.