By Lora Hristova, Staff Writer

October 21, 2024

ROCKLAND- On November 5 there is going to be the Presidential Electionin the United States.. As a German student visiting the United States for a year, I am interested in looking at the process and culture around the election. In speaking with students and teachers, I have learned many differences between the political culture of Germany and the United States.

Germany's elections use a mixed-member proportional representation system, where voters cast two ballots—one for a local candidate and another for a party. This ensures that parliament reflects the overall party support. 

In contrast, the U.S. employs a winner-takes-all approach, where the candidate with the most votes in a district wins, often leading to a two-party system and significant disparities between votes and seats.

In my opinion, the American system of elections is a little too outdated. First of all, the Electoral College can mean that the person who gets the most votes from people doesn’t always win the presidency. 

Also, each state has a defined amount of voters which depends on its population and this number of people hasn’t changed in a while but the population has. Which means that the amount of voters in each state is not fair.

Another big difference is that people in Germany can vote when they turn 16. Here, people have to be 18. 

“It’s something new and exciting. It’s like a privilege that you unlock when you turn 18. I think it is important to vote if you are informed and interested in the process,” ,said Regan Glennon, a senior student, who is voting for president for the first time this year.

There are not many young people who vote, even though it is very important especially for young people.

“I think that it is very important for young people to vote, if they are educated and informed. That is why it is very important for the school to prepare them too. Every generation is different and that’s why it is so important for everybody to vote because everybody has different expectations and beliefs,” said history teacher Ashley Lipson.

I totally agree with that and believe that no matter which voting system people use, every vote counts and everyone who can and who is interested in supporting their beliefs and their country should vote.