I truly do not understand the 2016 presidential race, election and everything that has taken place from the start, and will likely not fully comprehend all of it through the beginning of November. I know there is a Democratic and a Republican party, along with all the basic information I learned in 11th grade U.S. history. I know that both of the party's likely nominees for the presidency seemingly are not all that great. That's about it. I am a 21-year-old male from New York, with essentially no knowledge of the current presidential race. I am one of the thousands of eligible voters who are in the same sinking boat, a terrifying truth.
I know that there is an orange-skinned Republican whose brilliance with finances and the economy have made him an immensely successful American businessman and seemingly the most bigoted public figure in recent American history. As well as a Democratic former U.S. Secretary of State with decades of political experience, but a misunderstanding of how email records work. I've yet to see enough information, views and plans for the future of this country to responsibly, and in good conscience, vote for one of these nominees. Voting has become more daunting, but less educated.
Education on the candidates is the first step to making an informed and responsible vote. There are plenty of outlets to help you determine your vote. Google has easy to read shortcuts on candidates' stances on issues such as Immigration, abortion, education and the environment. These functions take quotes from news stories on the candidates as answers to the nominee's stance on an issue. On The Issues also provides candidates' views on various issues as well as their strongest favors and oppositions.
On Tuesday, November 8, 2016, I can walk into any polling station and cast my vote for the President of the United States. You can too. And there are voters out there that know far less than I do. The only reason I know as much as I do is because of my time normally spent on the Internet as a 20-something. Memes and tweets making fun of a former first lady and a real-estate tycoon probably shouldn't be my go-to for information. That is simply not enough.
It is our responsibility, not only as the future of this country but as eligible voters in it, to wisely participate in the presidential race. Spark a conversation with a parent, sibling or close friend. Talk about issues that you've never really thought about. Think about what is most important to you, and then research which candidates supports your passions. Read about the candidates, get informed and make an educated vote. November is coming fast.
