The 2020 Election: What Happened?

The 2020 presidential election is proving to be monumental in U.S. history. With many different points of view and a pandemic still being the focus of many, there were various voting methods this year.

The mail-in ballots became quite popular, and millions of people decided to vote that way. When asked how she voted and why, a middle aged woman answered, “I voted by mail, early, because I have to go to work and simply did not have the time to go stand in line. Also, I am still concerned about the rates of COVID-19 in Ohio, so I was trying to do my part and stay away from the public to be a good citizen.” When asked this same question, a male college freshman answered, “I actually did not vote because I felt there was no good candidate I really wanted to win.” Two very different answers. The middle aged woman also answered the question, “What persuaded you to vote?” and she responded with, “I believe it is my duty as a U.S. citizen to do so and I want to show my kids why it is so important, especially in an election like this.” These two responses would show how people at different points of their lives believe differently about voting.

Many younger people did vote in this election as youth voting rates continue to rise, but there were plenty who did not. When asked, “Since you are not 18, does it bother you that you can not vote?”, a 17 year old girl replied with “Yes. This sucks. I try to promote information about the election as much as possible on my social media but I really wish I could actually vote.”

It is well known that some think the voting age should be lowered, but some do not agree. Obviously more people could vote if the age is lowered. The 2020 election sparked a lot of young people to vote because of the candidates' different ideas for the country. The idea of if you vote is pretty simple, if you are around a lot of people who vote, or think voting is important, then you are much more likely to vote. If people around you do not care, then most likely, you will not care either because of your schema. Young voters could be the reason a certain candidate wins, they could totally change the outcome.

Whether you voted in person, by mail, or early, whether you are young or old, you put your voice out there and let yourself be heard, which is historic.