Pandemic, Police, and Politics: Thoughts From First-Time Voters
The events of this year have sparked newfound interest in politics that many young people previously did not have.
The image of people rioting in the streets while wearing masks is an iconic visual representation of our time. Extreme social unrest and a worldwide health crisis combined with a decisive election year makes 2020 a year that will go down in history. We decided to ask fellow college students and first-time voters a question:
How have the events of 2020 affected your perception of American politics and the upcoming election? Do you think this November’s decision will be more significant for the direction of our nation than previous elections?
Here are their responses.
Keiffer R. The University of Alabama in Huntsville 2022
To put it all into one word, I feel betrayed. I feel betrayed by our leaders who promise us relief and take away our options in the same breath. With the compounded stress of the jobs that couldn’t survive quarantine and the evictions that followed, I feel as though 2020 has become the point of no return for us as Americans. Either we continue to serve the system that continues to keep relief from us, or we allow ourselves to demand the justice we deserve as citizens of this once great country.
I feel that the November 2020 elections have the vast majority of Americans stuck between two parties that make big promises and deliver very few actual stances on the problems that affect us every single day, such as healthcare that does more work for my insurance salesman than me and rents that require 60 hour work-weeks. Altogether, I’m worried for people like me that are too tired and distracted by the daily struggle to feel like their vote can still make a difference.
Morgan G. Auburn University 2022
I think this year has given me more opportunities to see how the people in these appointed positions respond to a variety of issues. With such a crazy year, there has been so many chances for those in charge to prove to us that they are good at their job, and at times I feel like these people have made the right calls and done what is expected of them, but there have also been many times where I am utterly confused on how they got elected in the first place. I have never been deeply involved in politics, mostly because I feel like we’ve become too steadfast in our faith to these two parties that it doesn’t matter if the candidates are good or bad, but this year has given us a lot of down time to really think about what future we want for this nation. This upcoming election will show if the people want to make a true change or if we just want to play it safe and stick with what we have. Whichever candidate fits in those two places is to each their own, but I’ll tell you what my dad told me in response to the marches and gatherings for the recent Black Lives Matter movement: “If we can stop the violence and get Trump to shut his mouth, we have a great opportunity to make some real change.” I like my dad.
Meghan L. Troy University 2022
Before 2020, I never had any interest in politics. I knew very little information about how our government even worked, and I did not care to partake in any conversation about it. After quarantine and having enough time to really sit myself down and educate myself, I am very invested in this upcoming election. The murders of George Floyd and Breanna Taylor really opened my eyes to my privilege and how not caring about politics was a part of that. I’ve enjoyed educating myself and even signed up for a government class this semester. I think politics is a way that positive change can be made in this country, and I look forward to seeing that change
I pray that this upcoming election will positively affect our nation, regardless of who gets elected. Unfortunately, the reality is maybe not as hopeful. In a speech made by President Reagan during his presidency, many of the statements he made in 1980 could be applied to today. I hope that a speech made by our future president can not apply so easily to our country in 40 years.
Zoe L. Auburn University 2022
The events of 2020 have shifted my perception of U.S. politics drastically. Because of my own privilege, I have not yet had to think about a lot of the questions that are being asked this year. I’ve been lucky to have the time and educational resources available to me to begin to research how political policies and leaders affect the lives of people of this country and even the world at large. I think that this year’s presidential election will be extremely significant for the direction of our nation, especially in terms of the way the U.S. is seen on the world stage.
Piper D. Mississippi State University 2022
The events of 2020 have helped me view American politics from a broader lens; I have seen how truly ignorant some politicians are who blatantly disregard issues that plague brothers and sisters among us. I have always known that “exercising my constitutional right to vote” was important, but I feel like the events of 2020 have brought this to the forefront of my mind. Voting is about so much more than just exercising a right. Voting grants freedom for someone stuck under the thumb of systematic oppression. Voting speaks for men and women in prison whose rights have been stripped away. Voting means a chance for a mother and her child to be reunited after separation at the border. As a white, (very) privileged woman, voting has always been just what is right and good to do. After reading, researching, listening, and praying through the events of 2020 thus far, (COVID-19, The Black Lives Matter Movement, defunding the police, etc.) I have realized that American politics are more than just voting for myself; I have the privilege to be a voice for the voiceless. If I am not listening with a heart of empathy, I am squandering what the Lord and my civic duty has called me to do. American politics affects all and in order for me to be a well-educated citizen I need to pay attention to more than just myself (shocker!) and vote accordingly.
I definitely think November’s election is pivotal. The events of 2020 have demanded action and reform. Whoever sits in the oval office next January is tasked with drafting bills of action rather than smooth, political words that brush over real problems with eloquence. There is a call to action in America and all eyes are on the president, his cabinet, and the heads of departments he appoints. The presidential election is important, but I have also realized the importance of local and state elections more than ever. These smaller elections are where our police chiefs and local judges are appointed—these positions are vital and most of the change that will be visible to us concerning the movements of 2020 (The Black Lives Matter Movement, police reform, etc.) all happens at home. November’s decision is vital for the health of our country, but who is elected president is not the end all be all. Who’s in his cabinet? Who are your state senators? Who is your local police chief? The direction of our country rests heavily on the seemingly little elections that happen all throughout the year.
However, this election for the president is just one piece of the puzzle. It comes down to thousands of other daily decisions. As Americans, we need to start by focusing on bettering ourselves and the communities around us. Go to city council meetings. Form opinions and express them. Vote in local elections. Stay in the know. Good luck 2021. May the odds be ever in your favor.
Sincerely, Abbey and Hannah
Photography: Mikayla E.