There’s really no way around it: this election season has been a sh*t show. No matter which party you side with, each candidate has had their ups and downs this year. From NSFW comments about women to the never-ending email scandal, it has never been harder for voters to pick a candidate to support and feel confident with their respective decision. Election day is quickly approaching so we put together a list of everything you need to know to decide which name to write on the ballot on November 8th.
The Candidates:
Hillary Clinton — Democratic Nominee Hometown: Park Ridge, Illinois Education: Wellesley College, Yale Law School Experience: US Secretary of State, New York State Senator, First Lady, First Lady of Arkansas, Lawyer Running Mate: Tim Kaine Spouse: Bill Clinton Children: Chelsea Clinton
Donald Trump — Republican Nominee Hometown: New York, New York Education: Fordham University, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania Experience: Real Estate Tycoon, Trump Organization Chairman and President, Reality Star on “The Apprentice” and “The Celebrity Apprentice,” Author Running Mate: Mike Pence Spouse: Melania Trump Children: Ivanka Trump, Tiffany Trump, Barron Trump, Eric Trump, Donald Trump, Jr.
The Issues
Immigration — (Think: In the US right now, there are almost 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the country.)
Clinton: Believes there should be an easier pathway to citizenship for immigrants
Trump: Wants to build a wall on the US-Mexico border that Mexico will pay for to decrease the number of illegal immigrants entering the country
Abortion:
Clinton: Pro-choice
Trump: Pro-life
Civil Rights — (Think: The Black Lives Matter Movement)
Clinton: Wants to change laws and systems as a way to level things out
Trump: Believer in “All Lives Matter”
Environment — (Think: Climate Change)
Clinton: Thinks the U.S. should be one of the world’s leaders in clean energy
Trump: Doesn’t believe climate change exists in any significant way
Gun Control — (Think: Statistically, Americans are the most heavily armed people in the world.)
Clinton: Wants to require universal background checks and to close loopholes that put guns in the hands of the wrong people
Trump: Doesn’t believe there is a gun problem; rather, there is a mental illness problem
Healthcare —
Clinton: Supports Obamacare and nationwide affordable healthcare
Trump: Wants to get rid of Obamacare and to remove the influence of the federal government on healthcare
Military:
Clinton: Wants to spend less money on the military, but believes in increasing benefits (mental and healthcare) for veterans and military personnel
Trump: Plans to invest more money in the military
Education:
Clinton: Supporter of the Common Core and making college more affordable
Trump: Doesn’t support the Common Core or the U.S. making money off of student loans
Foreign Policy/ISIS:
Clinton: Believes Obama had the right ideas, and plans to stay on course with his plans
Trump: Wants to temporarily close U.S. borders to countries with a history of terrorism
Economy :
Clinton: Wants to cut taxes for the middle class and create jobs through spending on infrastructure and clean energy
Trump: Plans to cut new trade deals and to sign tax cuts without affecting Medicare and Social Security
As you can see, these issues are all very controversial and with two candidates who barely agree on anything it has never been more important to make your voice heard. It is your right, as an American and as a woman, to vote. There is no excuse not to; check here for more information on registering to vote in each state.