Being a legal adult at eighteen comes with many privileges; the option of a name change, opening a bank account, suing someone, buying a lottery ticket, getting a credit card, and then getting that Tom Brady tattoo that you have been longing for all your life afterwards! But guess what’s even better? You get to decide the future of American politics. Yes, YOU! It is now your right to cast your vote for who you think should be the next POTUS to make this country thrive.
No matter where you stand, left, right, just right of center, or are indifferent, it is important to make sure your voice is heard on March 1st and November 8th in Massachusetts. As primaries and caucuses pass, voters are getting a better sense of viable candidates, and who to vote for.
This article will give the new voter the complete run-down on where to begin, whether they need help registering to vote, or need clarification on who to vote for.
1. Identify yourself with a party- Are you a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or even a member of the Green Party?
This is a pivotal decision you have to make as a new voter. Your opinions may change as you age, but it is important to educate yourself and take a stance on important current issues. As you form your opinions on these controversial topics, such as pro-life vs. pro-choice, gun control, and private or federal healthcare, your party will become more apparent as you see whose views align with yours.
If you need a greater understanding of what each party's core beliefs are visit this informational website: http://us-political-parties.insidegov.com/compare/1-2/Democratic-Party-vs-Republican-Party
2.Choose your candidate- This may be obvious to you immediately. However, with 5 candidates running for the Republican GOP it may more overwhelming than the Democratic side of the equation, with only two candidates. Choosing a candidate starts with watching as many debates and towns halls as you can. It is important to listen to every candidate, as it is very common to change the candidate you support multiple times as more issues are covered. It has come clear that it is a three person race in the GOP for the Republican party. Overall, Donald Trump propelled himself as the favorite to win the nomination, with Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio in the shadows.
Trump doesn’t have as much experience in politics as Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, or John Kasich, he has generally spoken to working class Americans who are fed up with the Washington establishment.
Many have objected to the actions of Trump on both sides of the aisle, as he makes comments about Muslims, Immigrants, a disabled reporter, Megyn Kelly, Carly Fiorina, the Pope, amongst many others. But, shockingly, it has not affected poll numbers negatively.
If you are a Republican you have three very different candidates who are probable options. And no ladies, don’t vote for Marco Rubio just because you think he is “cute”.
As for the Democratic side of the election, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has struck a nerve with Americans fed up by the billionaire class, and interested in a socialist movement in the United States. Then, there is Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. While Sanders has gained people’s faith in his “political revolution,” Clinton has more experience.
Both candidates have fought hard for social justice, women’s rights, and raising minimum wage, amongst other things. But, there are many issues associated with both candidates, such as the country’s readiness to implement socialist principles, the viability of free college education, and past scandals linked with Clinton. It is up to you to decide who will move this country forward, no matter how hard it is to decide between the two.
If you are having a hard time deciding on a candidate, follow the link below where you can be matched with a candidate based on your views on important issues. https://www.isidewith.com
3. Register to Vote- Many young adults do not know the process of registering to vote. However, it is easy and will only take five minutes. The primary deadline was February10th at the latest, but you can still have your voice be heard for the General Election.
The link below to register to vote is as follows: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/ . Don’t worry if you have no clue what party you want to register with. Simply select “no party,” and if you vote during the primary, choose the ballot that will have your candidate's name on it.
4. Election Day- Election day be overwhelming, but with this explanation, the preparations are simple. For Reading residents, all precincts can vote at the RMHS Field House from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM during the primary on March 1st, 2016, and the General Election on November 8, 2016.
As a young American, it is crucial to take part in the political process, and vote for the candidate who will stand up for your core beliefs in Washington.
Partaking in this vote could even make national history; just eight years ago the first black president was elected, only half a century after blacks were fighting to have a voice in the Civil Rights Movement. We have made strides as a nation, and furthermore, in this election specifically, as the first woman president has the chance to be sworn into office. No matter how much progress we have made, we are still glaringly divided as a nation. That is why it is so important to ask yourself before you cast your vote: do I want to move forward with the work of the Obama administration, or do I want to scrap the work of the past eight years under the Obama administration and move in a different direction?
If you are lost and still have no clue who you are going to vote for, don’t worry… there are millions of Americans in the same boat. Just make sure you vote for someone on election day.