Author: Aisha Sowe
On November 3, American citizens got to vote in the presidential elections to determine who will be in office for the next four years. This election is different from previous ones as there was not only an option to vote in-person but to submit an absentee ballot by mail. Over 100 million ballots have been submitted in the mail for the past few weeks. Mail-in ballots have been used in the past, but this year has been common because of the coronavirus and for the safety of others decided to not wait in line.
Although the results would have been announced on Election Night, there were millions of votes that needed to be counted in several states. The wait for the results has caused anxiety and impatience among many individuals in the U.S. With some states pausing vote counts to some states recounting, this caused a delay in resulting in a president-elect.
After four days of making sure votes are counted and waiting for the results, Joe Biden had won the election and will be the 46th President of the United States. With Biden being elected president also means history for the next administration. Kamala Harris will be running along with Biden as the first female vice president who is a woman of color. As we enter into a new administration, Americans look forward to an actual change within the country. Some of his plans include stricter guidelines for coronavirus plans and treatments, police reform, and reverse the travel ban that Trump implemented in 2017. Not only does this election impact Americans but for the rest of the world as well.
According to an article from the Atlantic Council, several experts have stated what would the United States’ foreign policy will turn out in the next four years. Some of these experts include rebuilding alliances with foreign nations, policy change in Eurasia, and regaining trust from NATO. Highlighting what the Biden administration has in store for the world is important because of how much of an impact the United States has internationally whether good or bad.
While a new administration awaits, it’s important to understand that even though Trump’s presidency is coming to an end, this does not mean that we become more calm than usual now that a new president awaits. We should pay attention to what Biden’s presidency has in store for the country and even internationally. Whichever laws are passed because of him can make a positive impact or a devastating change. The news is the best way to educate yourself about what is going on in the world. Some may think that the news is either boring or overwhelming but try to retain as much information as you can. Whether you are watching the evening news, listening to a podcast, or reading an article, try and learn about what is going on around wherever you live.
Another important note to add is to also participate in local elections. If you voted, you had an option electing candidates that impact public schools and judges that will help your local justice system. Local elections are just as important as presidential elections as they directly impact you and your community.
Lastly, ask any questions that you have regarding what the future holds for the next four years. You can ask one of your professors or even someone who is an expert in politics what you can learn from the next administration going forward. It’s important to become more aware of what will happen to human rights especially those of marginalized groups.
Soon, Trump’s presidency will come to an end, yet we still have to fight for a change that will benefit this generation for the future and to hold the future leaders in office accountable.
