By Makayla Cook and Roben Ramirez-Santiago
Chaotic. Stupid. Tragic. Average. Lopsided. God-awful.
Those are all words that William Peace University students used to describe this year’s election in an informal online survey of 50 students conducted by The Peace Times. The survey asked students if they plan to vote, and who they’ll vote for, among other questions.
Despite their negative opinion of the process, nearly three fourths of students surveyed said that they are planning to vote, with over 60% of those individuals being first-time voters. The top three reasons that individuals are choosing not to vote are they “just don’t want to”, they do not care about the election, or they do not understand the election.
Becki Fernandez, a Wake County campus coordinator for You Can Vote has helped educate students on campus about how and why to vote, has a message for those students.
“Voting is one strategy to help you affect change,” says Fernandez. “Your vote matters.”
Diego Lugo, a WPU senior studying exercise and sports science, agrees.
“I will be voting because I have an obligation as a citizen to do my part,” he says. “The most exciting part about it will be that I’m using my voice to stand for something.”
Among the students surveyed, Democrat Joe Biden won out over President Donald Trump by a margin of 54% to 24%. Top issues for students included student debt, racial and ethnic equality and the economy.
Senior Jose Garcia, who is studying business at William Peace University shared a few words on how he would describe this upcoming election.
“I would describe this election as a turning point in the history of the United States,” says Garcia. “It will influence future generations and impact important issues like our economy, environment, and world affairs.”
Garcia is one of the few who believe that their vote matters because it gives people the opportunity to have a say in the United States government system.
“Voting matters because we decide who we want to see make a difference not just for our country but also for our state of North Carolina,” says Garica. “If we have a right to do something as a citizen then we should take full advantage of the opportunity that this country provides.”
Jayda Bernard, a senior simulation and gaming design major, said it is very important to vote, even if an individual is not into politics as much as others.
“You’re then using the freedom that we have as Americans to pick our leader and pick the one who decides what is best for this country as a whole,” said Bernard. We are people with thoughts, we are people with different ideals, and I think that we should embrace that and vote.”
Davyous Melvin, a junior musical theatre major, encourages everyone to vote. Regardless of who individuals are planning to vote for in this year’s election, everything from the local officials to the president will affect all of the citizens in the U.S.
“The climate of America is not at a good spot right now so I think it’s pretty important for us to vote for something to change because I’m all for trying something new,” said Melvin. “If you don’t plan to vote, I definitely would encourage you as much as I can to go out, register, and vote regardless of it’s the person I want you to vote for, still go do it, it’s a civic duty and responsibility.”