Trace Phillips
Reporter
United States citizens over the age of 18 have the right to vote in political elections, yet, according to the United States Elections Project, only 58 percent of eligible voters cast votes in the presidential election in 2016.
This means more than 40 percent of the voting-eligible population did not vote in that election. According to the Pew Research Center, that puts the United States behind many other developed countries, although this level of turnout has been fairly consistent over the past few decades.
Although it is sometimes difficult for voters to imagine how one vote can influence the turnout of an election, it is considered critical for individuals to cast their votes. The reason is that if that one vote joins in with others from your county or district, ultimately an individual’s vote will be counted in the electoral college results.
“It is important for us to vote because people have fought for that right for us,” said Hannah Helms, a junior Political Science major at The W.
With the 2020 presidential election coming up on Nov. 3, many voters question which candidates’ ideas and agendas can best resolve America’s current issues. COVID-19 is at the forefront of challenges in this year’s election, and many politicians are looking for solutions that can assist Americans affected by the pandemic without harming the country’s economy and government.
“I really think the COVID-19 response requires us to have a conversation — a serious and detailed conversation — about what role we want the U.S. federal government to play in our lives, because if they aren’t there to provide coordination and resources in an emergency like this, then we can’t really expect them to provide much in times that aren’t emergencies,” said Brian Anderson, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at The W, and a professor of Political Science at the university. “There should be at least an agreement that the federal government is a fallback source for the good of society, so we need to have this conversation on a more general level and talk about the implications of whatever course we take are going to be.”
Many Americans currently echo this sentiment, with some voters believing that the government has been unreliable in its response to the pandemic.
“With the candidates that we have, it’s hard to understand fully on what to expect from them, because they both can promise to help improve society, but you never know the ultimate outcome of what can happen or what can be expected in the years to come so, I think it is important to focus on each candidate’s plans and expectations to help this country improve in the best ways possible,” said Kayla King, a senior General Business major at The W. “When voting, I will be considering which candidate is best fit to improve things in our society as a whole.”
In addition to the presidential election on Nov. 3, Mississippi voters will also be choosing a U.S. Senator and voting on several statewide issues including a new state flag design and thte legalization of medical marijuana.