Thoughts on Voting in the 2020 Election

Why did you vote in this year’s election? What changes do you hope to see in this country during the next four years?

Angelina Malcolm
(junior, international business)

It's always important to vote, but especially this year. Our country is in need of new leadership because this current president is not it. He doesn't represent all Americans, and he refuses to denounce white supremacy and instead said to “stand by.” He doesn't represent me or the majority of people in this country. I would like to see better and improved changes in police and immigration reform, being that we fix the way we handle police brutality and immigrants coming into this country.

Jenna Donaldson
(junior, political science)

I voted because I think that voting is an integral component of American democracy. It's not only a right given to us, but it's also a duty we should gladly take part in. I hope that after this election, the country learns from the past four years and chooses to make the next four years about unity rather than division. Hopefully, citizens are more cognizant about issues relating to the environment and racial justice as well.

Jewel Murray
(sophomore, pre-physical therapy)

I voted in this year’s election because this was my very first opportunity to do so. Also, as a double-minority (Afro-Latina) and as a woman, my vote is imperative as it serves as a representative for minority groups in the U.S. My vote is important because it has the power to change the face of America, and I did not want to miss this chance. I hope to see, in the next four years, growth and healing. Recently the U.S. has dealt with a lot of trauma. I hope the local and federal leaders will use this fresh start to help our nation to cope with what has happened and help move our nation forward in a proactive manner that will help prepare us to better handle various issues and events in the future.

Wesley Marcellus
(junior, theology)
I voted because I want policies and the culture of this country to eventually be better for the generations after me, and that starts with my decisions today. I hope people see that unity is more effective than division.While this country is divided today, it is important for citizens in smaller spheres of community to inspire love and compassion, that it may spread to the Congress floor and the White House. Once people begin to learn love and compassion, they’ll know what it does and does not look like and will want to do something about it.

Stefan Laurry
(sophomore, pre-physical therapy)

I voted in this year's election because I am finally of age to vote. Also, I want to get our former president out of office because he isn't taking his job seriously. Some of the changes I would like to see are education reform and other forms of justice for minorities. I would also like to see us crack down on COVID so that we can live like normal again.

Cameron Mayor
(junior, speech language pathology & audiology)

This was the first election that I was able to vote in, so I wanted to finally practice my right that so many people in history have fought for. I want to see change, and one of the many ways we can create this change is by becoming informed and voting. I want to see our country put more value in how we treat people of color, people with disabilities, and how we care for the earth.

Ashley Alexander
(sophomore, social work)

I voted because this was my first year being eligible to vote. I think it's important to exercise that right and I view voting as an opportunity for change. I'm hoping to see some reconstruction in policing over the next four years.

Ebonie Thompson
(junior, speech language pathology & audiology)

I voted in this year's election because it was my first time voting. I think it's important for me to exercise my right to vote because of how hard my ancestors had to fight so that I could have this opportunity.  I hope to see change with police reform and how the system works against minorities, especially African Americans. I say this because 2020 really showed me how corrupt the system is, and change needs to happen.

Shelbi Slade
(senior, speech language pathology and Spanish studies)

I voted because it's something that I always try to do during an election. As an African American woman, I vote for those black women who could not vote in the not-too-distant past.This election especially has a lot of issues that are important to me on the ballot that I wanted to make my voice heard on. I hope to see a more unified country with a greater level of civility. I hope to see a more accepting country that is safe for everyone.

Sarai Sumner
(senior, Spanish and global studies)

I voted because it's important to exercise my right. I also believe that we need new leadership in the White House. I hope to see more racial unity and sexual equality. I also hope to combat environmental concerns in the world.