Who Do I Vote For?

This is my first presidential election that I will be able to exercise my right to vote in. I had always looked forward to being able to vote. This is because the movement for African American suffrage is very close to my heart.

People literally fought for me to have this right. So, it is only appropriate for me to participate. In a way, it also allows me to pay homage to those who could not vote or died fighting to achieve this right. However, because of the destruction of the current administration, I would like to have someone in office who aligns with my beliefs, and the needs of minority groups in the United States.

I draw most of my political opinion from my familial upbringing, and my peers. As a young African American woman who comes from a hard-working African American family, I believe in equity. My views fall on the liberal end and I identify as a democrat. In regard to the democratic primary, I thought my choice would be clear. The only administration that I had ever really known was that of President Obama. Because President Obama was so great, for some reason I figured that all other democratic candidates would be just like him. I think this is because I got to a point where I was deriving all of my information solely from social media. I was seeing a plethora of information about the current democratic candidates—Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders. Social media, especially within my generation, has a reputation of revealing false information or information taken out of context. In addition, people take information from social media and base their entire political opinion around it.

​So, here is a little advice for anyone on any end of the political spectrum. Whether you will be voting for the first time, or just simply confused on how to navigate the current election. Do adequate research. Whether it be reading the news, watching debates between the candidates, searching for credible articles examining the different views of the candidates. In addition, watch how they react and respond to events happening in the world. For example, the response a candidate has to the current global pandemic going on is a great way to visualize how they would respond to critical events as president. Doing research for yourself allows for pride and confidence within your choice for president. It also creates a genuine and authentic vote. Vote with intention, so that your voice can be heard for what it really is, not one that has been influenced inauthentically.

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Written By Maia Wells

I am 19 years old, born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. I am currently about to graduate with my Associates in Arts degree, then pursue a journalism degree at a four year university. Writing is my first love, but I also have a deep adoration for the arts. One day, I hope to own my own news network surrounding music and culture in communities of color.