The Pebble Issue 1

issues
Election of a Lifetime
A junior overcomes her ineligibility to vote
By Jeongyoon Han
I
was born in 1999, which makes me ineligible to vote in the 2016 Presidential election by
one year. Some say this is a blessing, but I see my ineligibility as a curse.
The remaining candidates represent all parts of the political ideological spectrum,
from Democratic Socialist Senator Bernie Sanders to the radical right businessman
Donald Trump.
Because these candidates have such a wide range of political views, it has been harder for
them to gain approval from the majority of Americans. In a Real Clear Politics poll done in
seven states, Republican support ratings for any of the GOP candidates were generally dismal.
With the country in a frenzy over who to vote for, I’m more concerned than ever about the
future of our government. The next president will have to settle the nation’s qualms
over our most pressing issues, and in such a crucial election, it’s more important
than ever that the younger generation is heard. World relations with
China, Russia and Arab countries, along with domestic policy issues
over immigration and the budget, are so fragile that it is imperative
for every voice to count.
Matthew Twomey-Smith, who teaches AP U.S. History
at MPH, said this election season is especially important
and unique. As unconventional runners, Sanders and
Trump have managed consistently strong campaigns,
which hasn’t surprised him. Twomey-Smith said their
popularity resulted from the “confluence of a perfect
storm”: Americans have reached a point where they
are tired of politicians constantly fighting.
“[Americans] don’t want the same old, same
old candidates anymore,” he said.
Neither do MPH students, like senior Emery
Spina, a registered Democrat. His strong opposition
to the GOP is the result of what he views as
the party’s insensitive stance on social issues.
“I’m kind of ashamed that people like Trump
have made it this far,” he said.
Many share Spina’s disdain for Trump.
Gallup Poll stated 7 in 10 women disapprove of
Donald Trump, and that 50 percent of Americans
would be scared if Trump was elected
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