The 2020 Election: A First Time Voters Guide

The year is finally 2020, which means that the race for President of the United States is in full swing. Like most college students, this marks my first opportunity to cast a ballot as a voter. As a politics major, I am passionate about the issues, debates, and the many candidates that this election presents itself with. This election cycle also marks an important moment in history as many of the candidates running in the Democratic field are encouraging high numbers for young voter turnout. Historically speaking, only about 50% of the voting age population shows up to cast their ballot on election day. Millennials and Gen-Z represent the largest voting bloc and can influence the election in a dramatic way if they register and show up to vote. With that being said, it can be overwhelming for any first time voter to navigate the candidates, which issues are important to them and how to vote in their state. The lack of education and difficulty surrounding voting is one of the main culprits when it comes to people not voting. This is my First-Time Voters Guide To The 2020 Election. 

 

On the Republican side of the election, it is almost certain that current president Donald Trump will win the GOP nomination. The Democratic nomination, however, is a little more difficult and unknown. There are currently still about ten candidates in the running with about four front runners. They all stand for similar issues but vary slightly. This can make choosing a candidate to vote for feel very chaotic. The current Democrats still in the running are…

 

1. Senator of Vermont Bernie Sanders

2. Senator of Massachusetts Elizabeth Warren

3. Senator from Minnesota Amy Klobuchar

4. Former Vice President Joe Biden

5. Former South Bend Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg

6. Billionaire Tom Steyer

7. United States Representative Tulsi Gabbard

8. Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg

 

These are the current top candidates in the field for the DNC nomination. With that being said, Sanders, Buttigieg, Warren, Klobuchar, and Biden are the frontrunners for the nomination. There are two states that have already held their primaries and selected a nominee. Iowa chose Bernie Sanders along with New Hampshire. Buttigieg followed close behind in both states. Statistically speaking, Iowa was a tie between Buttigieg and Sanders because they walked away with the same number of delegates, but Sanders won the popular vote. 

The first step to voting is registering to vote. You may be able to do this online for most states but you can also walk into your local town office with your ID and ask to register. It is free and easy. Just make sure you register by the deadline for your local elections. All this information can normally be found online through a simple Google search.

 

The next step is picking a candidate. As I previously mentioned, this can be difficult if you do not know what they stand for. I will mention some of the platforms and quick facts each front-running candidate in the race. 

Bernie Sanders:

Slogan: Not me. Us. 

Key Issues: Medicare for all, the Green New Deal, free college. 

Elizabeth Warren:

Slogan: Dream Big. Fight Hard

Key Issues: Wealth tax, Green New Deal, college debt forgiveness. 

Joe Biden:

Slogan: Our Best Days Still Lie Ahead

Key Issues: Immigration, criminal justice, climate change. 

Amy Klobuchar:

Slogan: Let’s Get to Work

Key Issues: Infrastructure, war on drugs, mental health.

Pete Buttigieg:

Slogan: It’s Time For A New Generation of American Leadership

Key Issues: Abolition of the Electoral College, gun control, climate change.

 

Upon my own research and beliefs, I concluded that the candidate I will be voting for is Bernie Sanders. I feel as though he represents my perspective on climate change, education, workplace equality, and much more with consistency. I am comfortable with the campaign he is running from grassroots. I encourage everyone to make their own decision and vote for who they feel represents them. 

I am excited to vote in this election for many reasons. I am excited by the right I have to vote, by the opportunity I have to voice my opinion, and by the hope that I feel from so many of the candidates to represent me well. 

I hope that this has given people a slightly larger insight into the candidates and issues at hand. I will leave some of my favorite links for information down below. I will also link the website to the candidates for you to check out. 

 

Links To Voter/Topic Information:

How To Vote in 6 Easy Steps

Important Issues

Quick Facts about Each Candidate on the Issues

 

Candidates Campaign Websites:

Elizabeth Warren

Joe Biden

Pete Buttigieg 

Bernie Sanders

Amy Klobuchar

 

Happy Voting & Happy Election Year

 

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