Though there are still seven months until the 2024 presidential election, campaign season is well underway. For Etowah students who will finally get the chance to vote this year, it is important they stay updated during the election cycle to effectively make their best decision at the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
“I am looking forward to voting in the next presidential election because I am excited to participate in my first election and contribute to the candidate I will be rooting for in the 2024 election,” Jack Turner, junior, said.
After a long, competitive campaign season, former President Donald Trump is the last remaining Republican still in the race for the presidential nominee. On the Democratic side, while current President Joe Biden is in the lead, Marianne Williamson and Jason Palmer are still in the race in an attempt to secure the nominee spot. Thus far, 14 candidates have dropped out, leaving only seven potential presidents, three of which- Robert F. Kennedy, Cornel West, and Jill Stein- being either independents or from a third-party.
“I am excited to vote because I will finally have voice in today’s society. I would really like to see a leader who really cares about our Earth’s environment and is able to take action and create change for the better,” Ashley Eagle, senior, said.
Focusing on the leading candidate for the Democrats, Biden’s campaign has centered around addressing various crises, predominantly with the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, civil rights, the immigration system, and the economy. On the other side, Trump is advocating to crack down on crime, increase deportations, repeal climate change policies, redo the tax system, and promote “America First,” or American isolationism from the rest of the world. With Biden’s old age and Trump’s pending criminal cases, many are still undecided as to which box they will check when they get to the polls; thus, learning more about third parties and independents could be a viable alternative route.
“I am excited to vote for a candidate that keeps their promises and can complete full sentences,” Jordyn Jones, senior, said.
While the actual election day is the most important number to remember, there are other major dates to look forward to. The first official presidential debate is on Sept. 16, 2024, and if one is looking for more insight into each candidates’ stances, this is an important event to tune into. The second occurs shortly after on Oct. 1 and the third on Oct. 9. The Democratic National Convention for officially selecting the presidential nominee is from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22, while the Republican National Convention is from July 15 to July 18. While there is no set date for when the presidential candidates nominate who their vice president will be, this typically occurs around the time of the national conventions.
“I am excited to vote in the upcoming election because I will finally have a say in matters that are important to me,” Kason Price, senior, said.
No matter who you will be voting for in November, it is vital to stay educated so that you do not miss out on the important information that is critical for the decision process. If one does not know how to register to vote or desires to know why it is important, look here.
