You’re driving down the street and you can’t help but notice the signs lining the picket fences. Trump or Harris, that’s the question at large. But what does this really mean? In the media it’s all boiled down to Liberal vs. Conservative, Black vs. White, and Woman vs. Man, but it’s more than just a popularity contest. For those turning 18 before November fifth, here is what you need to know for the election.
First, let’s talk about how voting work in the presidential election.
In the presidential election, the presidential candidates are chosen for office by the electoral college’s votes. Meaning, the popular vote, our votes, essentially don’t affect the election. The popular vote instead serves as an outline of what the electoral college’s votes might look like. And typically in the past they have been correct, except for two notable elections. In 2000, George W. Bush received less popular votes than Albert Gore Jr.; however, Bush still won the election. This happened once again with Donald Trump in 2016 when the popular vote favored Hillary Clinton, but Trump won, nevertheless.
So, you’re thinking, “Why bother voting in the presidential election if my vote doesn’t matter?”
That’s a question that only you, the reader, can answer. Nevertheless, voting is not always a right that Americans have had, so it is important to utilize it after so many past Americans have fought for us to have suffrage. Given that, local elections are determined by the people’s votes, so in those instances, it is important to vote. Your vote matters. Go vote!
Now, the hot question. Harris or Trump.
That’s my queue to go folks! In all seriousness, I won’t be answering that question for you since that’s between you, the voting machine, and God. What I can tell you though is that it is important to research both candidates before the morning of November fifth. Look into their websites, plans for their term, campaign methods, finance reports, and social media pages. Make sure to make an informed decision before you go vote, not just in the presidential elections, but in all elections.
Now, registering to vote.
You can register to vote through the mail, your local election office, or at headcount.org. You can be 17 and register, but you must be 18 before the fifth. Now, go register, research, utilize your 26th amendment right, and get that “I voted” sticker!
