The 2016 Election is approaching faster than we think. With debates and slander, we get to witness the pros and cons of each candidate. Now is the time for us to educate ourselves on each candidate, regardless of their affiliation (i.e. republican, democrat, independent etc.). Despite their affiliation, each candidate carries their own values and visions for the future of our country. As college students, we spend so much of our time on classes, studying, and extracurricular activities that often times, we don’t spend the necessary time researching future political leaders, who ultimately hold a key to our future America. It is easy to get caught up in the idea of “My vote won’t count,” but the truth is, every vote makes a difference.
In college, we are always told about the political aspects of voting, but not about how your decision can impact the future. It is time for us all to remember that future-America needs attention, and if we all spend the time to look at the candidates from all parties, we can make the right decision for ourselves. I was always taught that when researching, it is important to look at both the pros and cons of each candidate, while at the same time deciding which candidate speaks closest to my heart.
What changes do I want to see in America? What rules do I want set in place? Why should I even matter? Will the future President provide better healthcare? Will going to college be financially easier? These are all questions that we need to have answered. However, the only way we can have them answered is to sit down and understand what each candidate represents in aspects of change.
When conducting research, it is vital to review all of the resources available. Two of the biggest television networks are Fox News and CNN Headline News. Both of these networks provide the news. However, many people don’t realize that there is a difference between the two. Fox News is more of a conservative network, whereas CNN is more liberal. With that said, you will be getting two different reactions from these networks. It is crucial to collect from various sources when developing your opinion, ensuring an unbiased opinion. Do you really want to vote for someone your best friend likes, or would you rather vote for someone who speaks to you? The importance of voting is understanding the difference between your wants and everyone around you.
It is hard nowadays to have your own opinion because we are all heavily influenced by the media. There used to be a time where no one knew what you did the night before unless you were there. These days, you find out instantly if, for example, a celebrity was arrested. Ironically enough, social media can be a great tool to use because it can help you decide who you think is a better leader. For example, do you want to nominate someone who easily has their mistakes leaked on the internet, or would you want someone that is smart enough to hold their own? These are questions that we need to ask ourselves when it comes to voting.
We have all of the useful tools at our fingertips, now more than ever, and we need to utilize it. I said earlier that professors never taught us how to vote. However, they did teach us that proper research creates a stronger opinion. So in a way, they taught us everything that we need to know. Yes, the voting process is a bit complicated, but it is important to remember that your opinion matters because a presidential run lasts for 4 years and potentially longer if voted for again. Do you want to nominate someone that doesn’t have your best interests at heart?
We have a fair amount of time between now and the election, which gives plenty of time for candidates to prove themselves. This also means that within this gap of time, candidates can rise and fall in the polls. So for those of you reading this article, keep in mind that being an educated individual and staying informed on the race makes you a more educated American. I hate to say it, but our country has changed so much from when I was a kid. To be honest, I don’t like the change. I no longer feel safe. I don’t feel we are taking care of our country, and I miss seeing people thanking the soldiers risking their lives for us. It is important to have feelings like this because it's how you create ideas for a better future. If you ask people from other countries what they think of America, the answers are not as great as we think. The 2016 Election is a chance for us all to stand up and speak out about what we want for our future. So I am going to ask, what do you want?
