Biden vs. Trump. Conservatives vs. liberals. Democrats v. Republicans. Red vs. blue.

On November 3, Election Day, the general election for President of the United States takes place.  Since the official nomination of the candidates at their respective national conventions last month, the ballot is set. From now until November, candidates will continue to make promises and sling mud about the other side.  

“There are two candidates running for President, Trump vs. Biden,” senior Melanie Merkley said. “Currently, there is a controversy going on about Trump’s tactics for reelection.”

Society pressures  students to be familiar with current politics. But since voting age is 18, very few students can exercise their right to vote. This sometimes leads to apathy and disenfranchisement among high school students.

“Politics affect our daily lives,” senior Jonathan Meza said. “We should care because one way or another we contribute in a political way. The more we know, the better judgement we have towards our government”.

Although they do not have the right to vote, students take sides. Trump face masks, Biden t-shirts and other partisan gear is in the halls and classrooms. Teens may not have the right to vote, but it popular for nonvoters to still express their opinions. 

“I passionately state, freedom is great,” freshman Benson Merkely said.

Many like to volunteer, get involved and make a difference in their community. Being involved in any way can be meaningful to a student who cannot yet vote. 

“Elections are important because they are fun and it’s nice to do something other than homework,” sophomore Sonia Harper said.

But for this election, most high school students will be left watching debates and seeing the candidates battle it out in the press and on social media. Some feel they are being fed misleading information in reference to the election. 

“I would pass a new law stating that there should be requirements for truth in journalism,” senior Oliver Bowling said.