With the presidential election coming up this November, it’s important to look at the state of things as they are, and as they will be depending on who is voted into office. Facts and logic are important for determining this, but in an online age, first impressions get the best of us. We see things as they are, and don’t bother to look any further. There are disadvantages in both opponents – that’s always been the case – but people, especially younger generations, are far too caught up on them. 

“Everyone is depressed and scared,” says senior Elise Hyman. “The people who are passionate are very passionate, but everyone else just seems very worried.”

Democracy is about weighing pros and cons. There will never be a definitive good choice and bad choice. You have to pick the candidate you think will best serve the country in the state that it is in. You may dislike the chosen figurehead of a party, but it’s important to pay attention to what that party plans to do during their 4 years, not just the president.

But many people of younger generations don’t pay attention, not enough of them. Many people have been dissuaded to even go out and vote because they believe there isn’t a good pick. People for generations have believed that their votes don’t matter, but now it seems that people don’t even want to think about voting. We believe we’re doomed no matter who gets elected, so what’s the point of voting? 

Senior Kat Burrows says, “If the party I’m voting for loses, I will be pretty scared. I know that I can keep fighting and voting, but if the other party wins, it could cause serious damage in their term that will directly harm me and many others.”

So the truth is that your vote absolutely does matter. We’re not “completely cooked” either way. Look at who’s running, look at what they’re saying, and look at how they will affect you and the people around you. Keep a positive attitude that this country can get better. The amount of nihilism present in this election cycle is enough to depress any average, surface level viewer. Such a large percent of Americans truly think we’re doomed as a country, but we need to keep our heads up and fight for what’s right. You have a vote, go make it matter.