The 2016 presidential election gives the majority of students their first chance to vote and have our voices heard. No matter what side of the political spectrum you fall on, it is important to stay informed to make the best decision possible.
As this week’s article, “Debate views set record,” stated, this year’s first debate had the most viewers of any presidential debate in United States history.
Not only will this election provide a look into the future, but it also provides classrooms with talking points and valuable lessons. Students who are informed can grow off one another and develop thoughts and opinions they may not have had before. It gives millennials something to talk about.
Today’s society is always looking for change. We want change in the economy, change in race relations and change in college tuition plans. How can we find the right candidate to make those changes we so desperately seek, if we are ill informed or missing key details of each nominee’s campaign?
An important piece of being involved is watching the debates. And actually watching, without distractions and popular social media “debate drinking games.” If you’re buzzed while watching the debate, focusing on keywords or gestures to make you drink, such as Trump’s sniffles, or Clinton’s mention of emails, will force you to miss the overall message each candidate is stressing.
Don’t be afraid to read and deconstruct news articles as well. Reading it on the first glance may not provide you with enough points to make an informed decision, especially with the insults between candidates being hurled left and right as a distraction.
And if you read the posts friends and family members share on Facebook, proceed with caution. Not everything on the Internet is accurate.
Take notes, ask questions. In the end, it will benefit not only you and your community, but the entire country.
