Less than a month away from the November elections, with both debates complete, opinions still differ among MV students across campus.
One of our biggest topics of debate has been border control: whether or not we should allow migrants to cross the border into America.
“I think that obviously, no one wants illegal immigrants, but a lot of the issue is the media portrayal of what immigrants are like, pushed by Donald Trump. There are more important things to focus on, let’s help them instead of assuming they’re criminals,” said Lillie Myers ‘25.
“I believe that good foreign policy includes good relations with other countries, but a secure border is needed to have safety for American people,” asserted Elias Mullinax ‘25.
Elias, among many other new voters, is currently enrolled in AP Government and Politics, taught by Mr. Trace Turner.
“AP Gov. has reinforced my views by allowing me to learn more about the people and party which I am sided with,” said Mazie Eilerts ‘25.
In class, students not only learn about how the government works but have also watched the presidential and vice presidential debates, where candidates go toe-to-toe on policy and American issues.
One student, Tarrah Sneddon ‘25, who has watched the debates, asserts that “Kamala switches up too much. She constantly contradicts herself.”
According to an average of polls from CNN/SSRS, YouGov/CBS News, Focaldata/Politico, and J.L. Partners/DailyMail.com, 48% of viewers believe Ohio Senator JD Vance won the Vice presidential debate, while 46% believe Minnesota Governor Tim Walz won.
In contrast, according to a CBS poll, 49% of viewers believe Donald Trump won the Presidential debate, and 51% of viewers believe Kamala Harris won.
“Trump is just a bad person, he’s had his time in office and it’s time for someone new,” asserted Sarah Butler ‘25.
“ I would vote for Kamala, not just because she’s a woman or black, but because her policies have backing, she’s had such a long career in law. Trump’s supporters don’t know what policies he even supports. I like her tax plans. She wants to focus on the middle class and tax the millionaires,” said Myers.
But even with all this said, there is still a lot of debate on whether or not these new voters are educated enough to make an informed decision on such an important debate.
“I feel like I keep myself updated on news and what’s happening with our country and candidates to know whose beliefs align with my own and who would benefit the country more,” said Mullinax.
Others, such as Cadence Mullins, ‘25, feel they are educated but “not to a whole,” and they would need to do more research to make an informed vote.
There are many issues all voters must educate themselves on when it comes to voting.
“I think one of the most important issues is our economy. It is ever-changing and very unpredictable. Our gas prices are outrageous and so are our groceries. Standard middle-class families cannot afford it,” asserted Eilerts.
“Homeless people, we’re so focused on things like abortion and border security but we’re not focused on the people who live here, especially homeless veterans. It’s so sad to see the people who fought for our country living on the streets,” argued Myers.
Regardless of how you will be voting this November, remember to get to the polls and make your voice heard, and remember a wise piece of advice from AP Gov student Cadence Mullins: “Don’t listen to what you are told. Do your own research and find out for yourself.”
