Young people must vote in upcoming presidential election

By Mia Cho

Managing Editor

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 presidential election is taking place on Nov 3. With the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the unprecedented nature of this election, voting has never been more important. Young people must be informed about current events in order to make educated decisions that will impact the future. 

The United States government relies on the public’s political involvement to function. Voting in federal and regional elections is a fundamental part of democracy. Citizens must vote to elect government officials that reflect the population’s concerns and desires. For young people, this election is pivotal because of the possible impact of legislation passed in the next four years. It is a chance for young adults to express their opinions. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic only intensifying in the U.S., racial injustices continuing to be prevalent and climate change posing a threat, voting in the presidential election in Nov. is crucial. 

The results of this election will decide how the United States will tackle certain issues, which will be consequential for years, and even decades, to come. President Donald Trump’s decision to nominate a Supreme Court Justice so close to the election has provoked a reaction from many. Trump nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett to replace Justice Ginsburg a week after her death. The Senate must confirm Trump’s nomination before she is appointed as a justice of the Supreme Court. If Judge Barrett is appointed to the Supreme Court, it would significantly alter the balance from 5-4 supporting conservative views to 6-3. With this new balance of political ideologies, there is a risk of Supreme Court cases such as Roe v. Wade, which gives women the right to have safe and legal abortions, being overturned. These current events deal with the rights of young people, so it is important that they are well informed and voting properly. 

Young adults should take this as an opportunity to express their views on issues in the United States, such as COVID-19 and economic inequality, in order to vote in a way that reflects their concerns. Considering that this election’s impacts will mold the ideals of the United States for the next four years, it is imperative that young people understand what is at stake and vote accordingly.