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