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Students encourage research before voting

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Twenty- ve percent of voters dislike both Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump, compared to only eleven percent who disliked both Mitt Romney and President Obama, according to a Gallup Poll published in July.

Trump, the Republican nominee supports health care reform, U.S. China trade reform and immigration reform.

Clinton, the Democratic nominee, supports criminal justice reform, debt-free college and gun violence prevention, according to her campaign.

Allan Aguilar, President of Young Democrats, said students who are against both main party candidates should be aware that there are others running as third party candidates, most notably Gary Johnson and Jill Stein.

Both of these third party candidates could be on the ballot in all 50 states, and are working to be included in the debates, according to the International Business Times.

Johnson, Libertarian candidate, according to his campaign website, supports a consumption tax, immigration reform and term limits.

Stein , the Green Party Candidate. According to her campaign website she supports the living wage, abolishing student debt and protecting the environment.

Even with these other options, there is “never going to be a candidate that is perfect or ideal,” Aguilar said.

Phillip Todd, president of the College Republicans, agreed with this sentiment and said even in an election cycle without such polarizing candidates people still must make compromises. While people will make compromises in the candidate that they vote for, it is important that they consider their beliefs when voting.

Todd stated that both candidates have said and done awful things. He said students should look beyond the media and see what aligns with their values.

Todd said students can get involved in politics through the clubs on campus. He mentioned that his club will be working with the Young Democrats. Aguilar echoed this sentiment and said that the two clubs will work together to encourage student votership. Some of the events they could be hosting are a mock election, debate watch parties and a 9/11 memorial.

Todd also suggested students read USA Today, which is on stands on campus, though he reminds students to be aware of the media’s slant, either liberal or conservative.

Aguilar also agreed that students should stay up to date with the news. He said that there are several podcasts that come out weekly and give information on important political events.

 

Correction

In the article titled “Students Encourage Research Before Voting,” we misquoted Phillip Todd as advising students to “reconsider their beliefs.” He had actually stated that while people will make compromises in the candidate that they vote for, it is important that they consider their beliefs when voting.

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