I interviewed three Gen Z’s, first-time voters, in regard to the 2020 presidential election.
Kaseem J., 18
“I already voted for the Biden-Harris administration but we live in a controversial time and I don’t actually believe my vote is pertinent in the presidential election being from New York, which is a democratic strong-hold. However, I mostly see my vote as important because of the legislative branch, relating to the Senate and Congress because I wholeheartedly believe the maintenance of checks and balances is pivotal to the stability of our democracy.”
“I think that diversity, equal rights, and immigration are all important issues that need to be addressed by an administration that comprehends these issues personally. We need a President from a diverse background, who understands the oppression created by lacking equal rights in this country, and who understands the benefits of immigration. Thus, my views are that these are cornerstone’s of our democracy that will be addressed in a better manner under a Biden-Harris administration, but would have been better addressed had Kamala Harris been the democratic nominee for President.”
“I think the presidential election is important right now because the executive branch has largely abused its authority and failed to manage the country effectively or with any respect for the constitution. However, the real importance I see with this election is the Democratic intent to attain a majority leadership within the United States Senate because I feel the political disarray we have witnessed would be ongoing if democrats were unable to cease control of the senate, whether or not a Biden-Harris administration ceased control of the executive branch.”
“In terms of America getting better or worse, in my perspective, it has gotten better over, perhaps the last 100 years, but has been moving in the wrong direction from a short term perspective, amidst the Trump administration.”
“I am only optimistic about the future underneath a Biden-Harris administration if it were to precede a Harris led administration because I feel that her political agenda is stronger than that of the incumbent Democratic candidate, Joe Biden. My optimism is limited by worry as we continue to elect president’s who do not reflect the diversity of the nation, diversity in the White House under a Harris administration would accompany my optimism my composing a reflection of the diverse representation of America that we saw underneath Barack Obama’s administration.”
Leiha H., 19
“I think it is important to take part in the democratic process to help shape and develop our country for our future and other generations to come and for that, I voted for Joe Biden.”
“Well, I’m a black female who is also an immigrant. I stand for all these things, (diversity, equal rights, and immigration) because I am a part of the diversity in this country, as a female equal right is very important because this country has a lot more work to do with equality for females and minorities. I’m an immigrant and I have seen first hand the contributions that we bring to this country…..so that pretty much sums it up.”
“Well, our current president isn’t fit for office and he doesn’t have the best interest of the people. This election is important because we need to get him out of the White House before he worsens this country any further.”
“I don’t believe America got better. America as a country hasn’t been able to deal with its terrible past, instead most people pretend as if all the terrible things that led up to the country’s birth were all things in the past. So no, American isn’t better, I think it has always been terrible just wearing a disguise because people are still being treated unfairly and others are more privileged than others.”
“I can only do my part and expect others to do the same. So for now I’m keeping an open mind and hoping that our future in this country will get better”
Jose P., 18
“Voting is the only way we get people into congress/office that Will represent and uphold the values shared within the community. By not voting, I guess I’m giving up my own values and ideals for the rest of society to decide for me.”
“I am 18, and by law, I should be able to vote. However, I submitted my voting registrations late in regards to the presidential election. If I could vote in this election, my vote would probably go to neither. I don’t really have a full agreement with either of the candidates in regard to their policies. Both sides share good and bad ideas. I also don’t believe in voting for one side just to get another out and not liking the candidate is not really me having my own vote. At that point I would probably just vote for Kanye West, I like his music.”
“I think this election is overall important because it will decide how the next 4 years may go. If it goes Biden’s favor, there is a possibility the Senate will flip and many Trump policies can be overturned by new bills. If Trump wins, we can see policies become more conservative with the Supreme Court being majority Republican and a possible house flip.”
“I’m 100% on immigration, equal rights, and diversity. I think all people should have the same rights regardless of sex, race, religion, etc. Also, people who seek refuge or an opportunity shouldn’t be denied those possibilities so easily.”
“I believe America is staying at the same level it’s been, regardless of the presidential outcome. It’s going to have its good days where politics are stable and people aren’t so conscious. But it will also have days in where conflict is up in congress and the whole county will have a say on a specific bill or situation.”
“I always try to keep a positive mind for the sake of myself. I mean what else can get worse?”
I agree with Leiha, Trump’s motto is “Make America Great Again” But it didn’t get better nor was it ever better. It had a Terrible past and people and the president himself is doing terrible things.