By Sean O’Connor, Republican Debate Reporter
After reporting in Houston, Texas while covering the Republican GOP debate, my views on our democracy and the electoral process have been solidified by my experience. This process, in which a free and open society has the opportunity to decide the future of a nation, depends largely on a single individual which we all have the opportunity to be – the voter.
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As we look ahead to the end of the primaries, the party conventions and eventually the general election, it is important to keep in mind that these elections are more than just headlines for media outlets. The presidential election is perhaps the most consequential event in America and history has been shaped many times over by the men who have occupied the Oval Office.
While in the moment this election may seem like a theatrical show, years from now historians will look back and conclude that these were the times that changed the course of this nation. In other words, this election is important. This is said by candidates during every cycle for rhetorical effect, but in many ways they hold a large degree of truth.
Presidents have helped shape the course of American history – it's part of the reason so many are revered to this day. With this being said, it is apparent that voters will have the chance to shape history and decide what path we will follow as a nation.
Personally, I see this election year as a decisive one. In other words, voters in both parties have had their minds made up about their values and positions. November will be a fierce battle between two polar opposite ideologies, which have only been distancing themselves for the past eight years.
While conservatives become more conservative and liberals more liberal, both sides will have to find some way to appeal to the all-important block of voting independents. This may become more and more difficult as time goes on, as many candidates may find themselves forced to run further right or left to conform to the views of their party. But in the end, a voter is only as good as their level of education when it comes to the candidates and the issues being discussed.
Thomas Jefferson once stated that American democracy depends on a "well informed and educated populace." Two centuries later, his convictions ring as true as ever. The system of democracy that we enjoy cannot function if the population is misinformed. It relies on voters who understand the process, view the issues and make create opinions based on substance.
With this in mind, Americans of all ages no matter their class, race, religion or political ideology should understand that the nation which they live in truly depends on their own abilities to stay informed with the electoral process.
As Ronald Reagan once described it, now is a "time for choosing" in America. So behind the political rhetoric, media outlets, debates and social media, just remember – the choice is now yours to make.
About Sean
Alumnus, Envision’s NYLF National Security
Sean believes that true freedom and democracy require a "well-informed and educated populace." As a Chase the Race 2016 reporter, he takes pride in informing others, so they may have the power to make their own enlightened decisions on Election Day. This Pennsylvania 11th grader feels his generation needs to be ready to use advancements in social technology in a responsible manner, enhancing the human experience and sharing innovative ideas. He’s also keenly aware of the growing competition for today’s youth as they enter the job market in a dynamic global economy.
If you have something to say about the elections, or want to ask our student reporters a question, comment below or just ping us using #ChaseTheRace2016. What do you think of the presidential election?
background-image: a building with the American flag in front of it